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Katz DSW, Zigler CM, Bhavnani D, Balcer-Whaley S, Matsui EC. Pollen and viruses contribute to spatio-temporal variation in asthma-related emergency department visits. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119346. [PMID: 38838752 PMCID: PMC11268730 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma exacerbations are an important cause of emergency department visits but much remains unknown about the role of environmental triggers including viruses and allergenic pollen. A better understanding of spatio-temporal variation in exposure and risk posed by viruses and pollen types could help prioritize public health interventions. OBJECTIVE Here we quantify the effects of regionally important Cupressaceae pollen, tree pollen, other pollen types, rhinovirus, seasonal coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza on asthma-related emergency department visits for people living near eight pollen monitoring stations in Texas. METHODS We used age stratified Poisson regression analyses to quantify the effects of allergenic pollen and viruses on asthma-related emergency department visits. RESULTS Young children (<5 years of age) had high asthma-related emergency department rates (24.1 visits/1,000,000 person-days), which were mainly attributed to viruses (51.2%). School-aged children also had high rates (20.7 visits/1,000,000 person-days), which were attributed to viruses (57.0%), Cupressaceae pollen (0.7%), and tree pollen (2.8%). Adults had lower rates (8.1 visits/1,000,000 person-days) which were attributed to viruses (25.4%), Cupressaceae pollen (0.8%), and tree pollen (2.3%). This risk was spread unevenly across space and time; for example, during peak Cuppressaceae season, this pollen accounted for 8.2% of adult emergency department visits near Austin where these plants are abundant, but 0.4% in cities like Houston where they are not; results for other age groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS Although viruses are a major contributor to asthma-related emergency department visits, airborne pollen can explain a meaningful portion of visits during peak pollen season and this risk varies over both time and space because of differences in plant composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S W Katz
- The Department of Population Health and Data Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States; The School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, United States.
| | - Corwin M Zigler
- The Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Darlene Bhavnani
- The Department of Population Health and Data Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Susan Balcer-Whaley
- The Department of Population Health and Data Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- The Department of Population Health and Data Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States
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2
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Mansouri R, Lavigne E, Talarico R, Smargiassi A, Rodriguez-Villamizar LA, Villeneuve PJ. Residential surrounding greenness and the incidence of childhood asthma: Findings from a population-based cohort in Ontario, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118316. [PMID: 38301756 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118316] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have investigated the possible role that living in areas with greater amounts of greenspace has on the incidence of childhood asthma. These findings have been inconsistent, and few studies explored the relevance of timing of exposure. We investigated the role of residential surrounding greenness on the risk of incident asthma using a population-based retrospective cohort study. We included 982,131 singleton births in Ontario, Canada between 2006 and 2013. Two measures of greenness, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Green View Index (GVI), were assigned to the residential histories of these infants from pregnancy through to 12 years of age. Longitudinally-based diagnoses of asthma were determined by using provincial administrative health data. The extended Cox hazards model was used to characterize associations between greenness measures and asthma (up to age 12 years) while adjusting for several risk factors. In a fully adjusted model, that included a term for traffic-related air pollution (NO2), we found no association between an interquartile range increase (0.08) of the NDVI during childhood and asthma incidence (HR = 0.99; 95 % CI = 0.99-1.01). In contrast, we found that an 0.08 increase in NDVI during childhood reduced the risk of asthma in children 7-12 years of age by 14 % (HR = 0.86, 95 % CI:0.79-0.95). Seasonal differences in the association between greenness and asthma were noted. Our findings suggest that residential proximity to greenness reduces the risk of asthma in children aged 7-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Mansouri
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Eric Lavigne
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Robert Talarico
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Audrey Smargiassi
- Center for Public Health Research (CReSP), University of Montreal and CIUSSS Du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101 Av Du Parc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Laura A Rodriguez-Villamizar
- Department of Public Health, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Carrera 32 29-31, Bucaramanga, Colombia; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Alyami MM, Alasimi AH, Alqarni AA, Balharith FH, Aldhahir AM. Prevalence of Asthma Triggers and Control Status Among Pediatric Asthmatic Patients in Saudi Arabia. J Asthma 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38506494 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2332917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of asthma triggers and control status among pediatric asthmatic patients in Saudi Arabia.Methods: From October 2015 to March 2016, an Arabic version of the Asthma Trigger Inventory (ATI) questionnaire and Asthma Control Test (ACT) were distributed to 200 parents of children diagnosed with asthma at the pulmonary clinic of King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29. Descriptive statistics of the participants were presented in frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations for categorical variables.Results: The survey data revealed that the most prevalent asthma triggers among pediatric asthmatic children in Saudi Arabia were Arabic incense (Bakhour) with a mean score of 3.76 (± 1.3), followed by being excited 3.70 (± 1.5), and stress at home 3.58 (± 1.4). Furthermore, the degree of asthma control among children with asthma in Saudi Arabia was 72.0% with a mean score of 17.7 (± 4.7) for the Asthma Control Test (ACT), indicating partial degree of asthma.Conclusions: Arabic incense (Bakhour) and psychological stimuli emerged as significant determinants of asthma triggers in Saudi Arabian children diagnosed with asthma. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underpinning the response to Arabic incense (Bakhour).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Alyami
- Respiratory Therapy Department, Batterjee Medical College, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H Alasimi
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abdullah A Alqarni
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Respiratory Therapy Unit, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad H Balharith
- Respiratory Therapy Department, Batterjee Medical College, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah M Aldhahir
- Respiratory Therapy Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Luo Y, Zhang Y, Liu T, Yu A, Wu Y, Ozcan A. Virtual Impactor-Based Label-Free Pollen Detection using Holography and Deep Learning. ACS Sens 2022; 7:3885-3894. [PMID: 36414385 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to bio-aerosols such as pollen can lead to adverse health effects. There is a need for a portable and cost-effective device for long-term monitoring and quantification of various types of pollen. To address this need, we present a mobile and cost-effective label-free sensor that takes holographic images of flowing particulate matter (PM) concentrated by a virtual impactor, which selectively slows down and guides particles larger than 6 μm to fly through an imaging window. The flowing particles are illuminated by a pulsed laser diode, casting their inline holograms on a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor in a lens-free mobile imaging device. The illumination contains three short pulses with a negligible shift of the flowing particle within one pulse, and triplicate holograms of the same particle are recorded at a single frame before it exits the imaging field-of-view, revealing different perspectives of each particle. The particles within the virtual impactor are localized through a differential detection scheme, and a deep neural network classifies the pollen type in a label-free manner based on the acquired holographic images. We demonstrated the success of this mobile pollen detector with a virtual impactor using different types of pollen (i.e., bermuda, elm, oak, pine, sycamore, and wheat) and achieved a blind classification accuracy of 92.91%. This mobile and cost-effective device weighs ∼700 g and can be used for label-free sensing and quantification of various bio-aerosols over extended periods since it is based on a cartridge-free virtual impactor that does not capture or immobilize PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Tairan Liu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Alan Yu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Computer Science Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yichen Wu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Aydogan Ozcan
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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5
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Idrose NS, Lodge CJ, Erbas B, Douglass JA, Bui DS, Dharmage SC. A Review of the Respiratory Health Burden Attributable to Short-Term Exposure to Pollen. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127541. [PMID: 35742795 PMCID: PMC9224249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions worldwide and pose a significant global public health burden. Over the years, changes in land use and climate have increased pollen quantity, allergenicity and duration of the pollen season, thus increasing its impact on respiratory disease. Many studies have investigated the associations between short-term ambient pollen (i.e., within days or weeks of exposure) and respiratory outcomes. Here, we reviewed the current evidence on the association between short-term outdoor pollen exposure and thunderstorm asthma (TA), asthma and COPD hospital presentations, general practice (GP) consultations, self-reported respiratory symptoms, lung function changes and their potential effect modifiers. The literature suggests strong evidence of an association between ambient pollen concentrations and almost all respiratory outcomes mentioned above, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory diseases. However, the evidence on sub-clinical lung function changes, COPD, and effect modifiers other than asthma, hay fever and pollen sensitisation are still scarce and requires further exploration. Better understanding of the implications of pollen on respiratory health can aid healthcare professionals to implement appropriate management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Caroline J. Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Jo A. Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia;
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dinh S. Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-383-440-737
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6
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Costache A, Berghi ON, Cergan R, Dumitru M, Neagos A, Popa LG, Giurcaneanu C, Vrinceanu D. Respiratory allergies: Salicaceae sensitization (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:609. [PMID: 33936266 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is one of the most frequent chronic conditions of the modern world. Pollen carried by the wind from pollinated trees is a major source of SAR. Betulaceae, Oleaceae and Platanus are the most important sources of airway sensitization with regard to tree pollen and, therefore, they are included in the official recommendations of skin prick testing by different official societies. Salicaceae pollen is a moderate source of pollen sensitization. Conversely, large areas are covered with poplars and willows around the world. A number of studies from many countries showed that in some particular situations (large and compacted areas covered by Salicaceae, weather conditions, air pollution, urban ornamental vegetation), poplar and willow pollens may become of local importance in producing SAR. The aim of this review was to present a synthesis of information regarding Salicaceae pollen allergy showing that, if various unfavorable aspects are brought together, a minor problem (Salicaceae sensitization) can became a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Costache
- Department of Pathology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Nicolae Berghi
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Romica Cergan
- Department of Anatomy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Dumitru
- Department of Anatomy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Neagos
- ENT Department, 'George Emil Palade' University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Liliana Gabriela Popa
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Calin Giurcaneanu
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Vrinceanu
- ENT Department, Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, 010271 Bucharest, Romania
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7
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Robichaud A, Comtois P. Numerical modelling of birch pollen dispersion in Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110554. [PMID: 33279490 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110554] [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: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Simulating allergenic tree pollen is important to protect sensitive population and to support bioaerosols monitoring effort. Using the regional air quality model GEM-MACH, a simulation was conducted adopting two new main hypotheses: 1) the use of vertical correlation concept to force the vertical dispersion (a method normally used in tracer data assimilation) and, 2) the use of a puff instead of a continuous pollen release. The simulation was compared with pollen observations in Montreal and with the corresponding statistical forecasts (issued daily by the Weather Network) at several locations in the province of Quebec and elsewhere. The comparison with the simulation was found satisfactory (outperform forecasts based on persistence or pollen calendar and is also superior to numerical simulation of tree pollen done elsewhere in North America). Simulation shows that, for the 2012 pollen season, the majority (88%) of the Betula pollen measured in Montreal originated from the Laurentides region. Another result of scientific importance obtained here is that Betula pollen episodes (observed or simulated birch pollen) in Montreal occur only when the average daily temperature is in the range of 10° to 18 °C. This research is considered as a first step in forecasting bioaerosols in Canada within an air quality model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Robichaud
- Environnement and Climate Change Canada, 2121 Trans-Canada, Dorval, H9P 1J3, Canada.
| | - Paul Comtois
- Department of Geography, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, H2V 0B3, Canada.
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8
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Nolte H, Waserman S, Ellis AK, Biedermann T, Würtzen PA. Treatment Effect of the Tree Pollen SLIT-Tablet on Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis During Oak Pollen Season. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:1871-1878. [PMID: 33548518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birch, alder, hazel, and oak are members of the birch homologous group based on cross-reactivity toward the birch pollen allergen Betula verrucosa 1. Theoretically, allergy to these tree pollens may be treated by immunotherapy with one representative allergen extract. OBJECTIVE To evaluate post hoc whether treatment of birch pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with a standardized tree sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet containing birch pollen extract reduces symptoms and symptom-relieving medication use during the oak pollen season (OPS). METHODS In a randomized, multinational, double-blind trial (EudraCT-2015-004821-15), 634 participants (ages 12-65 years) received daily tree SLIT-tablet (12 SQ-Bet) or placebo before and during tree pollen season (alder/hazel plus birch pollen season [BPS]). Symptom-relieving medication was allowed. The primary end point was the average total combined score (sum of rhinoconjunctivitis daily symptom score and daily medication score) during BPS. Outcomes during the OPS (excluding overlapping BPS days) were analyzed post hoc. RESULTS Relative improvements in average total combined score, daily symptom score, and daily medication score with the tree SLIT-tablet versus placebo during the OPS were 25%, 22%, and 32%, respectively (all P < .001). Significant correlations were observed between birch and oak serum immunoglobulin E (sIgE) at baseline (r = 0.86) and between birch and oak IgG4 after treatment (r = 0.72). Oak sIgE and IgG4 kinetics in response to tree SLIT-tablet treatment were similar to birch. CONCLUSIONS The tree SLIT-tablet leads to significant improvement of rhinoconjunctivitis outcomes during the OPS, supporting the clinical relevance of immunological cross-reactivity toward birch and oak allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Waserman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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9
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Bernstein DI, Würtzen PA, DuBuske L, Blaiss MS, Ellis AK, Weber RW, Nolte H. Allergy to oak pollen in North America. Allergy Asthma Proc 2021; 42:43-54. [PMID: 33404388 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2021.42.200089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Oak pollen is an important allergen in North America. The genus Quercus (oak) belongs to the family Fagaceae under the order Fagales. Objective: The objective of this article was to narratively review the oak pollen season, clinical and epidemiologic aspects of allergy to oak pollen, oak taxonomy, and oak allergen cross-reactivity, with a focus on the North American perspective. Methods: A PubMed literature review (no limits) was conducted. Publications related to oak pollen, oak-related allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis, and oak-related allergic asthma were selected for review. Results: Oak species are common throughout the United States and contribute up to 50% to overall atmospheric pollen loads. Mean peak oak pollen counts can reach >2000 grains/m³. The start of the oak pollen season generally corresponds to the seasonal shift from winter to spring based on latitude and elevation, and may begin as early as mid February. The duration of the season can last > 100 days and, in general, is longer at lower latitudes. In the United States, ∼30% of individuals with allergy are sensitized to oak. The oak pollen season correlates with increased allergic rhinitis symptom-relieving medication use and asthma-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Oak falls within the birch homologous group. Extensive immunologic cross-reactivity has been demonstrated between oak pollen and birch pollen allergens, and, more specifically, their major allergens Que a 1 and Bet v 1. The cross-reactivity between oak and birch has implications for allergy immunotherapy (AIT) because guidelines suggest selecting one representative allergen within a homologous group for AIT, a principle that would apply to oak. Conclusion: Allergy to oak pollen is common in North America and has a substantial clinical impact. Oak pollen allergens are cross-reactive with birch pollen allergens, which may have implications for AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I. Bernstein
- From the Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Lawrence DuBuske
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C
| | | | - Anne K. Ellis
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard W. Weber
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
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10
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11
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Shams MH, Assarehzadegan MA, Eskandari N, Masjedi M, Kheirandish F, Ghasemi R, Ganjalikhani Hakemi M, Varzi AM, Safari M, Sohrabi SM, Abdoli Sereshki H. Molecular and immunochemical characterization of Pop n 2: A new allergen of Populus nigra pollen. Clin Exp Allergy 2020; 51:1613-1623. [PMID: 33210791 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pollen is one of the most common allergens that cause respiratory allergies worldwide. Pollen grains from poplars have been reported as important sources of pollinosis in many countries. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to determine the molecular and immunochemical characterization of Pop n 2, a novel allergen of Populus nigra (P nigra) pollen extract. METHODS In this study, the pollen extract of P nigra was analysed by SDS-PAGE, and the allergenic profile was determined by IgE immunoblotting and specific ELISA using the sera of twenty allergic patients. The coding sequence of Pop n 2 was cloned and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) using plasmid the pET-21b (+). Finally, the expressed recombinant Pop n 2 was purified by affinity chromatography. RESULTS Pop n 2 belongs to the profilin family with a molecular weight of approximately 14 kDa. Pop n 2 is the most IgE-reactive protein (about 65%) in the P nigra pollen extract. The cDNA sequencing results indicated an open reading frame 396 bp that encodes 131 amino acid residues. The results of ELISA and Immunoblotting assays showed that recombinant Pop n 2 could react with the IgE antibody in patients' sera, like its natural counterpart. CONCLUSION Our data revealed that Pop n 2 is a significant allergen in the P nigra pollen extract. Moreover, we observed that the recombinant Pop n 2 produced by the pET-21b (+) vector in the E colisystem acts as its natural counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Hossein Shams
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Assarehzadegan
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Eskandari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Masjedi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ramin Ghasemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Ali-Mohammad Varzi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mojgan Safari
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicines, Hamedan University of Medical Science, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Seyyed-Mohsen Sohrabi
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Haleh Abdoli Sereshki
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124371. [PMID: 32570770 PMCID: PMC7345658 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The urban forest is a green infrastructure system that delivers multiple environmental, economic, social and health services, and functions in cities. Environmental benefits of urban trees are well understood, but no review to date has examined how urban trees affect human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of existing literature on the health impacts of urban trees that can inform future research, policy, and nature-based public health interventions. A systematic search used keywords representing human health, environmental health, and urban forestry. Following screening and appraisal of several thousand articles, 201 studies were conceptually sorted into a three-part framework. Reducing Harm, representing 41% of studies, includes topics such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, heat exposure, and pollen. Restoring Capacities, at 31%, includes attention restoration, mental health, stress reduction, and clinical outcomes. Building Capacities, at 28%, includes topics such as birth outcomes, active living, and weight status. The studies that were reviewed show substantial heterogeneity in purpose and method yet indicate important health outcomes associated with people’s exposure to trees. This review will help inform future research and practice, and demonstrates why urban forest planning and management should strategically promote trees as a social determinant of public health.
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Robichaud A. An overview of selected emerging outdoor airborne pollutants and air quality issues: The need to reduce uncertainty about environmental and human impacts. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2020; 70:341-378. [PMID: 31994992 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2020.1723738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
According to the literature, it is estimated that outdoor air pollution is responsible for the premature death in a range from 3.7 to 8.9 million persons on an annual basis across the world. Although there is uncertainty on this figure, outdoor air pollution represents one of the greatest global risks to human health. In North America, the rapid evolution of technologies (e.g., nanotechnology, unconventional oil and gas rapid development, higher demand for fertilizers in agriculture) and growing demand for ground, marine and air transportation may result in significant increases of emissions of pollutants that have not been carefully studied so far. As a result, these atmospheric pollutants insufficiently addressed by science in Canada and elsewhere are becoming a growing issue with likely human and environmental impacts in the near future. Here, an emerging pollutant is defined as one that meets the following criteria: 1) potential or demonstrated risk for humans or the environment, 2) absence of Canada-wide national standard, 3) insufficient routine monitoring, 4) yearly emissions greater than one ton in Canada, 5) insufficient data concerning significant sources, fate, and detection limit, and 6) insufficiently addressed by epidemiological studies. A new methodology to rank emerging pollutants is proposed here based on weighting multiple criteria. Some selected emerging issues are also discussed here and include the growing concern of ultrafine or nanoparticles, growing ammonia emissions (due to rapid expansion of the agriculture), increased methane/ethane/propane emissions (due to the expanding hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas sector) and the growing transportation sector. Finally, the interaction between biological and anthropogenic pollution has been found to be a double threat for public health. Here, a multidisciplinary and critical overview of selected emerging pollutants and related critical issues is presented with a focus in Canada.Implications: This overview paper provides a selection methodology for emerging pollutants in the atmospheric environment. It also provides a critical discussion of some related issues. The ultimate objective is to inform about the need to 1) address emerging issues through adequate surface monitoring and modeling in order to inform the development of regulations, 2) reduce uncertainties by geographically mapping emerging pollutants (e.g., through data fusion, data assimilation of observations into air quality models) which can improve the scientific support of epidemiological studies and policies. This review also highlights some of the difficulties with the management of these emerging pollutants, and the need for an integrated approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Robichaud
- Air Quality Modelling and Integration Section, Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dorval, Quebec
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14
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Huerta-Ocampo JÁ, Valenzuela-Corral A, Robles-Burgueño MDR, Guzmán-Partida AM, Hernández-Oñate MÁ, Vázquez-Moreno L, Pavón-Romero GF, Terán LM. Proteomic identification of allergenic proteins in red oak ( Quercus rubra) pollen. World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100111. [PMID: 32206162 PMCID: PMC7082215 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Red oak pollen is an important cause of allergic respiratory disease and it is widely distributed in North America and central Europe. To date, however, red oak pollen allergens have not been identified. Here, we describe the allergenic protein profile from red oak pollen. METHODS Total proteins were extracted from red oak pollen using a modified phenolic extraction method, and, subsequently, proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) for both total protein stain (Coomassie Blue) and immunoblotting. A pool of 8 sera from red oak sensitive patients was used to analyze blotted proteins. Protein spots were analyzed by Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS Electrophoretic pattern of total soluble proteins showed higher intensity bands in the regions of 26-40 and 47-52 kDa. Two dimensional immunoblots using pool sera from patients revealed four allergenic proteins spots with molecular masses in the range from 50 to 55 kDa. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 8 proteins including Enolase 1 and Enolase 1 chloroplastic, Xylose isomerase (X1 isoform), mitochondrial Aldehyde dehydrogenase, UTP-Glusose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, Betaxylosidase/alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase and alpha- and beta subunits of ATP synthase. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified for first time 8 IgE binding proteins from red oak pollen. These findings will pave the way towards the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for red oak allergy.
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Key Words
- 2-DE, Two-dimensional electrophoresis
- AIT, Allergy immunotherapy
- BSA, Bovine serum albumin
- CHAPS, (3-(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)-1-propanesulfonate)
- DTT, Dithiothreitol
- ED, Emergency department
- IEF, Isoelectric focusing
- IPG, Immobilized pH gradient
- Immunoproteomics
- LC, Liquid chromatography
- MS, Mass spectrometry
- MS/MS, Tandem mass spectrometry
- Mass spectrometry
- PBS, Phosphate-buffered saline
- PMSF, Phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride
- PVDF, Polyvinylidene difluoride
- Pollen allergy
- Q-TOF, Quadrupole Time-of-Flight
- Red oak
- SDS, Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ángel Huerta-Ocampo
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Valenzuela-Corral
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - María Del Refugio Robles-Burgueño
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Ana María Guzmán-Partida
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Hernández-Oñate
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Luz Vázquez-Moreno
- Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera Gustavo Enrique Artizarán Rosas No. 46, Colonia La Victoria, C.P. 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Gandhi F. Pavón-Romero
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calzada Tlalpan No. 4502, Sección XVI, C.P.14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis M. Terán
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calzada Tlalpan No. 4502, Sección XVI, C.P.14080, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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15
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Caillaud DM, Martin S, Ségala C, Evrard B, Adrouche N. Relationship between pollen concentrations and short-acting β 2-agonist bronchodilator sales in central France: a daily time-series analysis over a 5-year period. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.00271-2019. [PMID: 31073083 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00271-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denis M Caillaud
- Service de Pneumologie-Allergologie, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | - Bertrand Evrard
- Service d'Immunologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, INRA, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nihade Adrouche
- Service de Pneumologie-Allergologie, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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16
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Cariñanos P, Grilo F, Pinho P, Casares-Porcel M, Branquinho C, Acil N, Andreucci MB, Anjos A, Bianco PM, Brini S, Calaza-Martínez P, Calvo E, Carrari E, Castro J, Chiesura A, Correia O, Gonçalves A, Gonçalves P, Mexia T, Mirabile M, Paoletti E, Santos-Reis M, Semenzato P, Vilhar U. Estimation of the Allergenic Potential of Urban Trees and Urban Parks: Towards the Healthy Design of Urban Green Spaces of the Future. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1357. [PMID: 30991765 PMCID: PMC6517926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The impact of allergens emitted by urban green spaces on health is one of the main disservices of ecosystems. The objective of this work is to establish the potential allergenic value of some tree species in urban environments, so that the allergenicity of green spaces can be estimated through application of the Index of Urban Green Zones Allergenicity (IUGZA). Multiple types of green spaces in Mediterranean cities were selected for the estimation of IUGZ. The results show that some of the ornamental species native to the Mediterranean are among the main causative agents of allergy in the population; in particular, Oleaceae, Cupressaceae, Fagaceae, and Platanus hispanica. Variables of the strongest impact on IUGZA were the bioclimatic characteristics of the territory and design aspects, such as the density of trees and the number of species. We concluded that the methodology to assess the allergenicity associated with urban trees and urban areas presented in this work opens new perspectives in the design and planning of urban green spaces, pointing out the need to consider the potential allergenicity of a species when selecting plant material to be used in cities. Only then can urban green areas be inclusive spaces, in terms of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Cariñanos
- Department of Botany, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Filipa Grilo
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Pinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - Cristina Branquinho
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Nezha Acil
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science and Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Andreia Anjos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - Silvia Brini
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Pedro Calaza-Martínez
- Spanish Association for Public Parks and Gardens, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Enrico Calvo
- Regional Agency for the Service of Agricultural and Forest (ERSAF), 2014 Milano, Italy.
| | | | - José Castro
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.
| | - Anna Chiesura
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Otilia Correia
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Artur Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.
| | - Paula Gonçalves
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Mexia
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Marzia Mirabile
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Margarida Santos-Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Paolo Semenzato
- Department of Land and Agro-Forestry Systems, University of Padova, 35020 Legnano, Italy.
| | - Ursa Vilhar
- Slovenian Forestry Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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17
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Wu PC, Su HJ, Lung SCC, Chen MJ, Lin WP. Pollen of Broussonetia papyrifera: An emerging aeroallergen associated with allergic illness in Taiwan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:804-810. [PMID: 30677945 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pollen has long been recognized as a major allergen, having diverse patterns of allergenicity caused by differences in climate, geography, and vegetation. Our research aimed to explore the role of a regionally dominant pollen in Taiwan, Broussonetia papyrifera, on clinical sensitization and daily 5collected and extracted for a skin prick test on 30 volunteers recruited from a medical college. Daily atmospheric pollen levels were measured using a Burkard 7-day volumetric trap. The association between daily atmospheric pollen levels and clinic visits for allergic illness was examined using a generalized additive model with a normal assumption. After excluding four participants with a positive response to a negative control, 10 participants (38.4%) were determined to be sensitive to B. papyrifera pollen extract. The three-day lagged concentration of B. papyrifera pollen exhibited the highest risk of daily asthma visits (relative risk [RR] = 1.166, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014-1.341) and allergic rhinitis visits (RR = 1.119, 95% CI: 0.916-1.367) when the pollen increased equally in magnitude to its mean. Our study is the first to provide evidence indicating that the most dominant airborne pollen in Taiwan, B. papyrifera, plays a major role in sensitization and clinic visits for asthma and allergic rhinitis, thus highlighting the need to integrate aeroallergen monitoring with clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chih Wu
- Department of Occupational and Safety and Health, Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Huey-Jen Su
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | - Mu-Jean Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, ROC; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Ping Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, ROC
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18
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Kordit DS, Reznik M, Leu CS, Jariwala SP. Longitudinal trends in asthma emergency department visits, pollutant and pollen levels, and weather variables in the Bronx from 2001-2008. J Asthma 2019; 57:487-494. [PMID: 30849256 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1585871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate how asthma-related emergency department visits (AREDV), air pollutant levels, pollen counts, and weather variables changed from 2001 to 2008 in the Bronx, NY. Methods: 42,065 daily AREDV values (1 January 2001 to 31 December 2008) were collected using our institution's Clinical Looking Glass software. Daily values of sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), temperature, and humidity were obtained from the National Climatic Data Center's Bronx station. Daily tree pollen counts were obtained from the Armonk counting station near the Bronx. Median values for each variable were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test to compare 2001-2004 and 2005-2008 values. Simple linear regression examined associations between AREDV and individual pollutants. Due to seasonal variations of the variables, each season was considered separately. Results: There were significant decreases for AREDV, SO2, CO, and humidity for all seasons, and for NO2 in the spring and winter. Significant increases occurred for O3 in the spring, fall, and winter; for temperature in the summer and winter; and for tree pollen in the spring. Significant positive associations were found between AREDV and SO2, CO, NO2, and humidity, respectively, while significant negative associations were found between AREDV and O3 and temperature, respectively. Conclusions: From 2001 to 2008, significant: a) decreases in AREDV, SO2, CO, and humidity for all seasons, and decreases in NO2 for the spring and winter; and b) increases in O3, temperature, and spring tree pollen were observed. By tracking and anticipating environmental and pollutant changes, efforts can be made to minimize AREDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Kordit
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marina Reznik
- Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunit P Jariwala
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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19
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The impact of urban street tree species on air quality and respiratory illness: A spatial analysis of large-scale, high-resolution urban data. Health Place 2019; 56:80-87. [PMID: 30711775 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Urban trees play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cleaning air, promoting physical activity, and improving mental health. However, it is still largely unknown how the density and species of urban street trees may impact local public health. This study demonstrates how open data mining and large-scale spatial data integration can contribute to deeper insights into the effects of urban forestry. We analyze the impact of the spatial distribution of street trees by species in New York City by combining crowd-sourced tree census data - which includes geolocation, species, size, and condition for each of 652,169 street trees - with pollen activity, allergen severity, land use, housing conditions, and neighborhood demographic data. We further integrate neighborhood asthma hospitalization and emergency department visit rates and air quality data (PM2.5) to investigate how street trees impact local air quality and the prevalence of acute respiratory illness. Using a geographically weighted regression model, the results indicate that although a greater concentration of trees contributes to better local air quality, species with severe allergenicity can increase local asthma hospitalization rates in vulnerable populations, controlling for other covariates.
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20
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Neumann JE, Anenberg SC, Weinberger KR, Amend M, Gulati S, Crimmins A, Roman H, Fann N, Kinney PL. Estimates of Present and Future Asthma Emergency Department Visits Associated With Exposure to Oak, Birch, and Grass Pollen in the United States. GEOHEALTH 2019; 3:11-27. [PMID: 31106285 PMCID: PMC6516486 DOI: 10.1029/2018gh000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is an important environmental cause of allergic asthma episodes. Prior work has established a proof of concept for assessing projected climate change impacts on future oak pollen exposure and associated health impacts. This paper uses additional monitor data and epidemiologic functions to extend prior analyses, reporting new estimates of the current and projected future health burden of oak, birch, and grass pollen across the contiguous United States. Our results suggest that tree pollen in the spring currently accounts for between 25,000 and 50,000 pollen-related asthma emergency department (ED) visits annually (95% confidence interval: 14,000 to 100,000), roughly two thirds of which occur among people under age 18. Grass pollen in the summer season currently accounts for less than 10,000 cases annually (95% confidence interval: 4,000 to 16,000). Compared to a baseline with 21st century population growth but constant pollen, future temperature and precipitation show an increase in ED visits of 14% in 2090 for a higher greenhouse gas emissions scenario, but only 8% for a moderate emissions scenario, reflecting projected increases in pollen season length. Grass pollen, which is more sensitive to changes in climatic conditions, is a primary contributor to future ED visits, with the largest effects in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Great Plains regions. More complete assessment of the current and future health burden of pollen is limited by the availability of data on pollen types (e.g., ragweed), other health effects (e.g., other respiratory disease), and economic consequences (e.g., medication costs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kate R. Weinberger
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthProvidenceRIUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Neal Fann
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
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21
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Huang Z, Feng W, Wei W, Yang B, Wang L. Prevalence of food-allergen and aeroallergen sensitization among people in Sichuan, Western China: An 8-year observational study. J Clin Lab Anal 2018; 33:e22723. [PMID: 30461057 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying the distribution of allergens is invaluable to effective diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. The present study aims to analyze the epidemiology of allergens in Sichuan, Western China. METHODS A total of 14 030 participants including 8031 men and 5999 women were enrolled in this study during 2007-2014 in West China Hospital. An assay testing for the presence of allergen-specific IgE was used to identify highly immunogenic allergens. RESULTS Of the 14 030 total participants, 3470 (24.72%) were sensitive to at least one of tested allergens. The most immunogenic allergens were mite mix (1876, 13.38%), crab (876, 6.24%), sea-fish mix (865, 6.16%), house dust (355, 2.54%), and cockroach (292, 2.08%). The differences between population of participants who were sensitive to food allergens and aeroallergens were statistically significant in 0 to 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, 41 to 50, and 51 to 60 year-old age-groups (all P < 0.05). Distributions of three food allergens and two aeroallergens were significantly different between male and female participants. There was also an increase in sensitization to cow's milk, mutton, sea-fish, and mould that was observed in the 71 to 90 year-old group. CONCLUSION The most common allergens presented in Sichuan were observed to be mites, crab, sea-fish, and house dust. There was an observable difference in sensitivity to five allergens between males and females. Additionally, aeroallergens appeared to have a greater immunogenic effect in younger populations while the elderly presented with increased sensitization to specific allergens, suggesting that specific allergens' immunogenicity was age-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuochun Huang
- Department of Lab Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihua Feng
- Department of Lab Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wei
- West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Lab Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lanlan Wang
- Department of Lab Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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22
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Witonsky J, Abraham R, Toh J, Desai T, Shum M, Rosenstreich D, Jariwala SP. The association of environmental, meteorological, and pollen count variables with asthma-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the Bronx. J Asthma 2018; 56:927-937. [PMID: 30207818 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1514627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To better understand how meteorological variables, air quality variables, and pollen counts collectively contribute to asthma-related emergency department visits (AREDV) and asthma-related hospitalizations (ARH) among pediatric and adult patients in the New York City borough of the Bronx. Methods: The numbers of daily adult and pediatric AREDV and ARH from 2001 to 2008 were obtained from three Bronx hospitals. After removing outliers, interpolating missing data, and standardizing variable values by scaling the data using z-scores, data were analyzed using Spearman rank tests and linear regression models for the full year and each season. Results: There were a total of 42,065 AREDV and 1,664 ARH at both Bronx hospitals. With the exception of a spring peak in AREDVs, AREDVs and ARHs follow a cyclical pattern, climbing in the fall, plateauing in the winter, dropping in the spring, and reaching a low in the summer. Among the 11 air quality, meteorological, and pollen count variables, temperature and tree pollen made the greatest contribution to AREDV with scaled coefficients of -0.337 and 0.311 respectively; equating to an additional AREDV for every 5.0-unit decrease in temperature and an additional AREDV for every 186.0-unit increase in tree pollen. These two variables were confirmed to have independent associations with AREDV prior to the data interpolation. Grass pollen was also found to have a relatively large contribution to AREDV during the summer with a scaled coefficient of 0.314, equating to an additional AREDV for every 2.3-unit increase in grass pollen. Conclusion: There are distinct peaks of increased AREDVs that are closely associated with increased tree pollen counts in the spring and decreasing temperatures in the fall. Early anticipation of these air quality, meteorological, and pollen factor changes based on ongoing surveillance could potentially guide clinical practice and minimize AREDVs in the Bronx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Witonsky
- a Department of Pediatrics, University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA ; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ryan Abraham
- b Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Jennifer Toh
- b Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Tulsi Desai
- b Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Mili Shum
- b Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; Bronx , NY , USA
| | - David Rosenstreich
- b Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Sunit P Jariwala
- b Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; Bronx , NY , USA
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Sierra-Heredia C, North M, Brook J, Daly C, Ellis AK, Henderson D, Henderson SB, Lavigne É, Takaro TK. Aeroallergens in Canada: Distribution, Public Health Impacts, and Opportunities for Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1577. [PMID: 30044421 PMCID: PMC6121311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aeroallergens occur naturally in the environment and are widely dispersed across Canada, yet their public health implications are not well-understood. This review intends to provide a scientific and public health-oriented perspective on aeroallergens in Canada: their distribution, health impacts, and new developments including the effects of climate change and the potential role of aeroallergens in the development of allergies and asthma. The review also describes anthropogenic effects on plant distribution and diversity, and how aeroallergens interact with other environmental elements, such as air pollution and weather events. Increased understanding of the relationships between aeroallergens and health will enhance our ability to provide accurate information, improve preventive measures and provide timely treatments for affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle North
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
| | - Jeff Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M3H 5T4, Canada.
| | - Christina Daly
- Air Quality Health Index, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
| | - Dave Henderson
- Health and Air Quality Services, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Sarah B Henderson
- Environmental Health Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Éric Lavigne
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Guilbert A, Cox B, Bruffaerts N, Hoebeke L, Packeu A, Hendrickx M, De Cremer K, Bladt S, Brasseur O, Van Nieuwenhuyse A. Relationships between aeroallergen levels and hospital admissions for asthma in the Brussels-Capital Region: a daily time series analysis. Environ Health 2018; 17:35. [PMID: 29642904 PMCID: PMC5896062 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor pollen grain and fungal spore concentrations have been associated with severe asthma exacerbations at the population level. The specific impact of each taxon and the concomitant effect of air pollution on these symptoms have, however, still to be better characterized. This study aimed to investigate the short-term associations between ambient concentrations of various aeroallergens and hospitalizations related to asthma in the Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium), an area recording especially high rates of admissions. METHODS Based on administrative records of asthma hospitalizations and regular monitoring of 11 tree/herbaceous pollen taxa and 2 fungal spore taxa, daily time series analyses covering the 2008-2013 period were performed. Effects up to 6 days after exposure were captured by combining quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag models, adjusting for seasonal and long-term trends, day of the week, public holidays, mean temperature and relative humidity. Effect modification by age and air pollution (PM, NO2, O3) was tested. RESULTS A significant increase in asthma hospitalizations was observed for an interquartile range increase in grass (5.9%, 95% CI: 0.0, 12.0), birch (3.2%, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.3) and hornbeam (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.2, 1.3) pollen concentrations. For several taxa including grasses, an age modification effect was notable, the hospitalization risk tending to be higher in individuals younger than 60 years. Air pollutants impacted the relationships too: the risk appeared to be stronger for grass and birch pollen concentrations in case of high PM10 and O3 concentrations respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that airborne grass, birch and hornbeam pollen are associated with severe asthma exacerbations in the Brussels region. These compounds appear to act in synergy with air pollution and to more specifically affect young and intermediate age groups. Most of these life-threatening events could theoretically be prevented with improved disease diagnosis/management and targeted communication actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Guilbert
- Health and Environment Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Bruffaerts
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucie Hoebeke
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Packeu
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marijke Hendrickx
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koen De Cremer
- Health and Environment Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Bladt
- Laboratory and Air Quality Department, Brussels Environment, Avenue du Port 86c-3000, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Brasseur
- Laboratory and Air Quality Department, Brussels Environment, Avenue du Port 86c-3000, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Health and Environment Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Weinberger KR, Kinney PL, Robinson GS, Sheehan D, Kheirbek I, Matte TD, Lovasi GS. Levels and determinants of tree pollen in New York City. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2018; 28:119-124. [PMID: 28000684 PMCID: PMC5479752 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to allergenic tree pollen is a risk factor for multiple allergic disease outcomes. Little is known about how tree pollen levels vary within cities and whether such variation affects the development or exacerbation of allergic disease. Accordingly, we collected integrated pollen samples at uniform height at 45 sites across New York City during the 2013 pollen season. We used these monitoring results in combination with adjacent land use data to develop a land use regression model for tree pollen. We evaluated four types of land use variables for inclusion in the model: tree canopy, distributed building height (a measure of building volume density), elevation, and distance to water. When included alone in the model, percent tree canopy cover within a 0.5 km radial buffer explained 39% of the variance in tree pollen (1.9% increase in tree pollen per one-percentage point increase in tree canopy cover, P<0.0001). The inclusion of additional variables did not improve model fit. We conclude that intra-urban variation in tree canopy is an important driver of tree pollen exposure. Land use regression models can be used to incorporate spatial variation in tree pollen exposure in studies of allergic disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate R. Weinberger
- Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Patrick L. Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guy S. Robinson
- Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, New York, 10504, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, New York, NY, 10023, USA
| | - Daniel Sheehan
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Iyad Kheirbek
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY, 10012, USA
| | - Thomas D. Matte
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY, 10012, USA
| | - Gina S. Lovasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Impact of respiratory infections, outdoor pollen, and socioeconomic status on associations between air pollutants and pediatric asthma hospital admissions. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180522. [PMID: 28719626 PMCID: PMC5515410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiology studies have shown that ambient concentrations of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are associated with increased emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions (HAs) for asthma. Objective Evaluate the impact of outdoor pollen, respiratory infections, and socioeconomic status (SES) on the associations between ambient ozone and PM2.5 and asthma HAs in New York City. Methods Daily ozone, PM2.5, meteorological factors, pollen, and hospitalization records during 1999 to 2009 were obtained for New York City residents. Daily counts of HAs for asthma and respiratory infections were calculated for all-age and specific age groups, and for high- and low-SES communities. Generalized additive models were used to examine ambient concentrations of ozone and PM2.5 and asthma HAs, potential confounding effects of outdoor pollen and HAs for respiratory infections, and potential effect modification by neighborhood SES. Results Both ozone and PM2.5 were statistically significantly associated with increased asthma HAs in children aged 6–18 years (per 10 ppb increase in ozone: RR = 1.0203, 95% CI: 1.0028–1.0382; per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5: RR = 1.0218, 95% CI: 1.0007–1.0434), but not with total asthma HAs, or asthma HAs in other age groups. These associations were stronger for children living in the high-SES areas. Adjustment for respiratory infection HAs at various lags did not result in changes greater than 10% in the risk estimates for either ozone or PM2.5. In contrast, adjustment for outdoor pollen generally attenuated the estimated RRs for both ozone and PM2.5. Conclusions Ambient ozone and PM2.5 are associated with asthma HAs in school-age children, and these associations are not modified by SES. HAs for respiratory infections do not appear to be a confounder for observed ozone- and PM2.5-asthma HAs associations, but pollen may be a weak confounder.
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Weber RW. Allergen of the Month-Japanese Maple. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016; 115:A17. [PMID: 26653280 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sun X, Waller A, Yeatts KB, Thie L. Pollen concentration and asthma exacerbations in Wake County, North Carolina, 2006-2012. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:185-91. [PMID: 26657364 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Pollen has been generally linked to an increased risk for asthma exacerbation. However, the delayed effect (lag), the length of effect duration, and the association heterogeneity by pollen types have not been well characterized. Short-term associations between ambient concentration of various pollen types (tree, grass, and weed) and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma were assessed using data in Wake County, North Carolina, during 2006-2012. Distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM) were used to characterize the associations, while adjusting for air pollutants, meteorological, and temporal factors. A strong association between same-day tree pollen and asthma ED visits was detected. This association lasted four days, with a 4-day cumulative risk ratio (RR) up to 2.10 (3500 grains/m(3) vs. 0 grains/m(3), 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.21-3.65). The associations of asthma ED visits with weed pollen and grass pollen were weak, suggestively starting from lag 2 and lasting 3 days, with the strongest association a 3-day cumulative RR of 1.08 (32 grains/m(3) vs. 0 grains/m(3), 95% CI=1.01-1.15) and 1.05 (11 grains/m(3) vs. 0 grains/m(3), 95% CI=1.00-1.11). Our results indicate that the association of ambient pollen and asthma exacerbation vary by pollen type, both quantitatively and temporally. These findings have important implications for optimizing targeted allergic disease prevention and management, and helping understand the etiology of ambient exposure-induced allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezheng Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Anna Waller
- Carolina Center for Health Informatics, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27510, United States
| | - Karin B Yeatts
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Lauren Thie
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC 27699, United States.
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Cariñanos P, Adinolfi C, Díaz de la Guardia C, De Linares C, Casares-Porcel M. Characterization of Allergen Emission Sources in Urban Areas. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2016; 45:244-52. [PMID: 26828180 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2015.02.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Pollen released by urban flora-a major contributor to airborne allergen content during the pollen season-has a considerable adverse impact on human health. Using aerobiological techniques to sample and characterize airborne biological particulate matter (BPM), we can identify the main species contributing to the pollen spectrum and chart variations in counts and overall pollen dynamics throughout the year. However, given the exponential increase in the number of pollen allergy sufferers in built-up areas, new strategies are required to improve the biological quality of urban air. This paper reports on a novel characterization of the potential allergenicity of the tree species most commonly used as ornamentals in Mediterranean cities. Values were assigned to each species based on a number of intrinsic features including pollination strategy, pollen season duration, and allergenic capacity as reported in the specialist literature. Findings were used to generate a database in which groups of conifers, broadleaves, and palm trees were assigned a value of between 0 and 36, enabling their allergenicity to be rated as nil, low, moderate, high, or very high. The case study presented here focuses on the city of Granada in southern Spain. The major airborne-pollen-producing species were identified and the allergenicity of species growing in urban green zones was estimated. Corrective measures are proposed to prevent high allergen levels and thus improve biological air quality.
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Ito K, Weinberger KR, Robinson GS, Sheffield PE, Lall R, Mathes R, Ross Z, Kinney PL, Matte TD. The associations between daily spring pollen counts, over-the-counter allergy medication sales, and asthma syndrome emergency department visits in New York City, 2002-2012. Environ Health 2015; 14:71. [PMID: 26310854 PMCID: PMC4549916 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-015-0057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many types of tree pollen trigger seasonal allergic illness, but their population-level impacts on allergy and asthma morbidity are not well established, likely due to the paucity of long records of daily pollen data that allow analysis of multi-day effects. Our objective in this study was therefore to determine the impacts of individual spring tree pollen types on over-the-counter allergy medication sales and asthma emergency department (ED) visits. METHODS Nine clinically-relevant spring tree pollen genera (elm, poplar, maple, birch, beech, ash, sycamore/London planetree, oak, and hickory) measured in Armonk, NY, were analyzed for their associations with over-the-counter allergy medication sales and daily asthma syndrome ED visits from patients' chief complaints or diagnosis codes in New York City during March 1st through June 10th, 2002-2012. Multi-day impacts of pollen on the outcomes (0-3 days and 0-7 days for the medication sales and ED visits, respectively) were estimated using a distributed lag Poisson time-series model adjusting for temporal trends, day-of-week, weather, and air pollution. For asthma syndrome ED visits, age groups were also analyzed. Year-to-year variation in the average peak dates and the 10th-to-90th percentile duration between pollen and the outcomes were also examined with Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS Mid-spring pollen types (maple, birch, beech, ash, oak, and sycamore/London planetree) showed the strongest significant associations with both outcomes, with cumulative rate ratios up to 2.0 per 0-to-98th percentile pollen increase (e.g., 1.9 [95% CI: 1.7, 2.1] and 1.7 [95% CI: 1.5, 1.9] for the medication sales and ED visits, respectively, for ash). Lagged associations were longer for asthma syndrome ED visits than for the medication sales. Associations were strongest in children (ages 5-17; e.g., a cumulative rate ratio of 2.6 [95% CI: 2.1, 3.1] per 0-to-98th percentile increase in ash). The average peak dates and durations of some of these mid-spring pollen types were also associated with those of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Tree pollen peaking in mid-spring exhibit substantive impacts on allergy, and asthma exacerbations, particularly in children. Given the narrow time window of these pollen peak occurrences, public health and clinical approaches to anticipate and reduce allergy/asthma exacerbation should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Ito
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY, 10013, USA.
| | - Kate R Weinberger
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032-3727, USA.
| | - Guy S Robinson
- Louis Calder Center, Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, New York, NY, 10504-1104, USA.
- Department of Natural Sciences, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY, 10023, USA.
| | - Perry E Sheffield
- Departments of Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl., Box 1512, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Ramona Lall
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Communicable Disease, Queens, NY, 11101, USA.
| | - Robert Mathes
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Communicable Disease, Queens, NY, 11101, USA.
| | - Zev Ross
- ZevRoss Spatial Analysis, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Patrick L Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032-3727, USA.
| | - Thomas D Matte
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY, 10013, USA.
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Codispoti CD, Bernstein DI, Levin L, Reponen T, Ryan PH, Biagini Myers JM, Villareal M, Burkle J, Lummus Z, Lockey JE, Khurana Hershey GK, LeMasters GK. Early-life mold and tree sensitivity is associated with allergic eosinophilic rhinitis at 4 years of age. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015; 114:193-198.e4. [PMID: 25744905 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasal eosinophils are a biomarker for allergic rhinitis (AR) and are associated with increased symptom severity. OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of allergic eosinophilic rhinitis (AER) in early childhood in children at higher risk for chronic allergic respiratory disorders. METHODS In the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study, infants born to aeroallergen-sensitized and symptomatic parents were examined and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) annually to 15 aeroallergens from 1 to 4 years of age. Wheal circumferences were traced and scanned and areas were determined by computer planimetry. At 4 years, AER was defined as (1) at least 1 positive aeroallergen SPT result, (2) presence of sneezing and runny nose without a cold or influenza, and (3) nasal eosinophilia of at least 5%. Wheal areas at 1 to 3 years were analyzed for an association with AER compared with children without AR. RESULTS At 4 years, 487 children completed rhinitis health histories, SPT, and nasal sampling. Ninety-nine children (22.8%) had AR. Thirty-eight children had AER (8.8% of total sample and 38.4% of AR sample, respectively). At 3 years, for every 1-mm(2) increase in Penicillium species (adjusted odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.32, P = .002) and maple (adjusted odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.13, P = .02), wheal area significantly increased the risk of AER at 4 years of age. CONCLUSION Allergic eosinophilic rhinitis was identified in 8.8% of children at 4 years of age. Age 3 years was the earliest that aeroallergen SPT wheal areas were predictive of AER. Skin testing at 3 years identifies children at risk for an AR phenotype with nasal eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Codispoti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Immunology/Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - David I Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Immunology/Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Linda Levin
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tiina Reponen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Patrick H Ryan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Asthma Research, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Manuel Villareal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Immunology/Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jeff Burkle
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Zana Lummus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Immunology/Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - James E Lockey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Immunology/Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Gurjit K Khurana Hershey
- Division of Asthma Research, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Grace K LeMasters
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Affiliation(s)
- Chein-Soo Hong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Weber RW. Allergen of the month--Chinese elm. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 113:A15. [PMID: 25442697 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Weber RW. Allergen of the month--field maple. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 113:A15. [PMID: 25168225 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Gleason JA, Bielory L, Fagliano JA. Associations between ozone, PM2.5, and four pollen types on emergency department pediatric asthma events during the warm season in New Jersey: a case-crossover study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 132:421-9. [PMID: 24858282 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among school-aged children in the United States. Environmental respiratory irritants exacerbate asthma among children. Understanding the impact of a variety of known and biologically plausible environmental irritants and triggers among children in New Jersey - ozone, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tree pollen, weed pollen, grass pollen and ragweed - would allow for informed public health interventions. METHODS Time-stratified case-crossover design was used to study the transient impact of ozone, PM2.5 and pollen on the acute onset of pediatric asthma. Daily emergency department visits were obtained for children aged 3-17 years with a primary diagnosis of asthma during the warm season (April through September), 2004-2007 (inclusive). Bi-directional control sampling was used to select two control periods for each case for a total of 65,562 inclusion days. Since the period of exposure prior to emergency department visit may be the most clinically relevant, lag exposures were investigated (same day (lag0), 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as well as 3-day and 5-day moving averages). Multivariable conditional logistic regression controlling for holiday, school-in-session indicator, and 3-day moving average for temperature and relative humidity was used to examine the associations. Odds ratios are based on interquartile range (IQR) increases or 10 unit increases when IQR ranges were narrow. Single-pollutant models as well as multipollutant models were examined. Stratification on gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status was explored. RESULTS The associations with ozone and PM2.5 were strongest on the same day (lag0) of the emergency department visit (RR IQR=1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.06) and (RR IQR=1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04), respectively, with a decreasing lag effect. Tree and weed pollen were associated with pediatric ED visits; the largest magnitudes of association was with the 5-day average (RR IQR=1.23, 95% CI 1.21-1.25) and (RR 10=1.13, 95% CI 1.12-1.14), respectively. Grass pollen was only minimally associated with the outcome while ragweed had a negative association. CONCLUSIONS The ambient air pollutant ozone is associated with increases in pediatric emergency department asthma visits during the warm weather season. The different pollen types showed different associations with the outcome. High levels of tree pollen appear to be an important risk factor in asthma exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie A Gleason
- Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, 135 East State Street, P.O. Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625, USA.
| | - Leonard Bielory
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Center for Environmental Prediction, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road Room 243, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Jerald A Fagliano
- Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, 135 East State Street, P.O. Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625, USA.
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On the cover-green ash. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 112:A13. [PMID: 24565599 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Charpin D, Caillaud D. Épidémiologie de l’allergie pollinique. Rev Mal Respir 2014; 31:365-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Sun BQ, Zheng PY, Zhang XW, Huang HM, Chen DH, Zeng GQ. Prevalence of allergen sensitization among patients with allergic diseases in Guangzhou, Southern China: a four-year observational study. Multidiscip Respir Med 2014; 9:2. [PMID: 24428953 PMCID: PMC3898259 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-9-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The distribution of allergens may vary with different geographic areas, suggesting the importance of local epidemiological data to support evidence-based prevention and management of allergic diseases. We investigated the distribution of common allergens in allergic patients in Guangzhou, southern China. Methods 7,047 patients with allergic symptoms were examined for serum sIgE to 15 common allergens in this region, based on the protocol of reversed enzyme allergosorbent test. Results 4,869 (69.09%) of the subjects tested positive for sIgE to at least one of the 15 common allergens. There was no statistical difference in the overall rate of positive sIgE detection between males (3128/4523, 69.16%) and females (1741/2524, 68.98%). Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae were the most common aeroallergens, while eggs and cow’s milk the most common food allergens, responsible for higher positive rates of sIgE responses. A good correlation in positive sIgE response was found between Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae. By age-group analysis, we noted several peaks of sensitization to certain allergens: Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, and Blomiatropicalis at age between 9 and 12; Blattellagermanica and mosquito at age between 15 and 18, cow’s milk before age 3; eggs and flour at age between 3 and 6; crabs and shrimps at age between 12 and 15. Along with older age, there was an ascending tendency in the overall positive rate of sIgE response to house dust mites among subjects who tested positive for sIgE to eggs or cow’s milk. Conclusions Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, cow’s milk, and eggs are major allergens in Guangzhou. Sensitization to eggs and cow’s milk is more common at younger age, and then gives place to the increasing prevalence of sensitization to Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae at older age. Such a sequence of events may be a result of allergy march. Knowledge on the prevalence of allergen sensitization in different age groups would help early diagnosis and intervention of allergic diseases in this large geographical region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guang-Qiao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratoy Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratoy Diseases First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiang Rd, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Jariwala S, Toh J, Shum M, de Vos G, Zou K, Sindher S, Patel P, Geevarghese A, Tavdy A, Rosenstreich D. The association between asthma-related emergency department visits and pollen and mold spore concentrations in the Bronx, 2001-2008. J Asthma 2013; 51:79-83. [PMID: 24131032 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2013.853779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of asthma morbidity and mortality is highest among minority inner-city populations. Among New York City's five boroughs, the Bronx has the highest rate of asthma-related hospitalizations and mortality. Outdoor air pollutants have been associated with increased asthma-related ED visits (AREDV) in this borough. OBJECTIVE To better understand the contribution of pollen and mold to asthma severity in the Bronx. METHODS The numbers of daily adult and pediatric AREDV and asthma-related hospitalizations (ARH) from 2001 to 2008 were obtained from two Bronx hospitals. AREDV and ARH data were acquired retrospectively through the Clinical Looking Glass data analysis software. Daily counts for tree, grass and weed pollen and mold spore counts from March 2001 to October 2008 were obtained from the Armonk counting station. All data were statistically analyzed and graphed as daily values. RESULTS There were a total of 42 065 AREDV and 10 132 ARH at both Bronx hospitals. There were spring and winter peaks of increased AREDV. Tree pollen counts significantly correlated with total AREDV (rho = 0.3639, p < 0.001), and pediatric (rho = 0.33, p < 0.001) and adult AREDV (rho = 0.28, p < 0.001). ARH positively correlated with tree pollen counts (Spearman rho = 0.2389, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There exists a significant association between spring AREDV and ARH and tree pollen concentrations in a highly urbanized area such as the Bronx. Early anticipation of spring pollen peaks based on ongoing surveillance could potentially guide clinical practice and minimize asthma-related ED visits in the Bronx.
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Caillaud D, Martin S, Segala C, Besancenot JP, Clot B, Thibaudon M. Effects of airborne birch pollen levels on clinical symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2013; 163:43-50. [PMID: 24247974 DOI: 10.1159/000355630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most panel studies focusing on rhinitis and conjunctivitis symptoms and birch pollen have been performed on a linear basis and have not included air pollution and meteorological variables as potential confounders. The objective of this panel study was to assess the relationship between symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and daily airborne birch pollen concentrations, checking with adequate statistical tools the shapes of concentration-response curves and controlling for confounders. METHODS The severity of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and bronchial symptoms was recorded daily in March and April 2010 (3,311 person-days) in 61 seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients sensitized to birch. Data were analyzed with generalized additive and generalized estimating equation models to quantify the effects of birch pollens. RESULTS The relationship between birch pollen and the percentage of patients with nasal, ocular and bronchial symptoms was linear until birch daily average concentrations of, respectively, 110, 70, and 70 grains/m(3); it reached a plateau thereafter. For an increase of 10 grains/m(3), the OR (95% CI) for nasal, ocular, and bronchial symptoms were, respectively, 1.07 (1.03-1.12), 1.17 (1.08-1.27), and 1.12 (1.03-1.21). At the beginning of the season, no nasal or ocular symptoms were observed below a threshold of 30 grains/m(3). CONCLUSIONS Adequate modeling regression shows that the clinical response to natural exposure to birch pollen in sensitized patients varies during Betula pollen season, with a threshold at the beginning of the season, while over the whole season the relationship is linear for nasal, ocular, and bronchial symptoms up to a saturation point, followed by a plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Caillaud
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Kiotseridis H, Cilio CM, Bjermer L, Tunsäter A, Jacobsson H, Dahl A. Grass pollen allergy in children and adolescents-symptoms, health related quality of life and the value of pollen prognosis. Clin Transl Allergy 2013; 3:19. [PMID: 23799882 PMCID: PMC3699361 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-3-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An association between pollen count (Poaceae) and symptoms is well known, but to a lesser degree the importance of priming and lag effects. Also, threshold levels for changes in symptom severity need to be validated. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between pollen counts, symptoms and health related quality of life (HRQL), and to validate thresholds levels, useful in public pollen warnings. MATERIAL AND METHODS Children aged 7-18 with grass pollen allergy filled out a symptom diary during the pollen season for nose, eyes and lung symptoms, as well as a HRQL questionnaire every week. Pollen counts were monitored using a volumetric spore trap. RESULTS 89 (91%) of the included 98 children completed the study. There was a clear association between pollen count, symptom severity and HRQL during the whole pollen season, but no difference in this respect between early and late pollen season. There was a lag effect of 1-3 days after pollen exposure except for lung symptoms. We found only two threshold levels, at 30 and 80 pollen grains/m(3) for the total symptom score, not three as is used today. The nose and eyes reacted to low doses, but for the lung symptoms, symptom strength did hardly change until 50 pollen grains/m(3). CONCLUSION Grass pollen has an effect on symptoms and HRQL, lasting up to 5 days after exposure. Symptoms from the lungs appear to have higher threshold levels than the eyes and the nose. Overall symptom severity does not appear to change during the course of season. Threshold levels need to be revised. We suggest a traffic light model for public pollen warnings directed to children, where green signifies "no problem", yellow signifies "can be problems, especially if you are highly sensitive" and red signifies "alert - take action".
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Affiliation(s)
- Hampus Kiotseridis
- Pediatric Clinic, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden ; Departments of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Corrado M Cilio
- Pediatric Clinic, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alf Tunsäter
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Helene Jacobsson
- Competence Centre for Clinical Research, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aslög Dahl
- Departments of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Allergen of the month--Wych elm. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2013; 110:A27. [PMID: 23548541 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2013.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yoshida K, Adachi Y, Akashi M, Itazawa T, Murakami Y, Odajima H, Ohya Y, Akasawa A. Cedar and cypress pollen counts are associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese schoolchildren. Allergy 2013; 68:757-63. [PMID: 23621581 DOI: 10.1111/all.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients allergic to pollen have been known to become more symptomatic during pollen season compared with the nonpollen season. However, there are few studies regarding whether higher exposure to pollen might increase the prevalence of allergic diseases. METHODS An ecological analysis was conducted to evaluate whether pollen exposure is associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren. Pollen count data of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), which are the major pollen allergens in Japan, were obtained from each prefecture. The prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren in each prefecture was based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. RESULTS After omitting three prefectures where pollen data were not available, data of 44 prefectures were analysed. The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children aged 6-7 years was positively associated with both cedar and cypress pollen counts (P = 0.01, both), whereas the prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children aged 13-14 years was positively associated with only cypress pollen counts (P = 0.003). Furthermore, the prevalence of asthma was positively associated with cedar pollen counts in 6- to 7-year-old children (P = 0.003) but not cypress pollen counts in either age group. CONCLUSIONS There are ecological associations between pollen counts and the prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese schoolchildren. Further studies are needed to determine whether the difference between the effects of cedar and cypress pollens is attributable to pollen counts or allergenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Yoshida
- Division of Allergy; Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center; Tokyo; Japan
| | - Y. Adachi
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Toyama; Toyama; Japan
| | - M. Akashi
- Department of Pediatrics; Saitama City Hospital; Saitama; Japan
| | - T. Itazawa
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Toyama; Toyama; Japan
| | - Y. Murakami
- Department of Pediatrics; Fukuoka National Hospital; Fukuoka; Japan
| | - H. Odajima
- Department of Pediatrics; Fukuoka National Hospital; Fukuoka; Japan
| | - Y. Ohya
- Division of Allergy; National Center for Child Health and Development; Tokyo; Japan
| | - A. Akasawa
- Division of Allergy; Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center; Tokyo; Japan
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Weber RW. Allergen of the month-larch. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2013. [PMID: 23176895 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Darrow LA, Hess J, Rogers CA, Tolbert PE, Klein M, Sarnat SE. Ambient pollen concentrations and emergency department visits for asthma and wheeze. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:630-638.e4. [PMID: 22840851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies report associations between aeroallergen exposure and asthma exacerbations. Aeroallergen burdens and asthma prevalence are increasing worldwide and are projected to increase further with climate change, highlighting the importance of understanding population-level relationships between ambient pollen concentrations and asthma. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine short-term associations between ambient concentrations of various pollen taxa and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma and wheeze in the Atlanta metropolitan area between 1993 and 2004. METHODS We assessed associations between the 3-day moving average (lag 0-1-2) of Betulaceae (except Alnus species), Cupressaceae, Quercus species, Pinaceae (except Tsuga species), Poaceae, and Ambrosia species pollen concentrations and daily asthma and wheeze ED visit counts, controlling for covarying pollen taxa and ambient pollutant concentrations. RESULTS We observed a 2% to 3% increase in asthma- and wheeze-related ED visits per SD increase in Quercus species and Poaceae pollen and a 10% to 15% increased risk on days with the highest concentrations (comparing the top 5% of days with the lowest 50% of days). An SD increase in Cupressaceae concentrations was associated with a 1% decrease in ED visits. The association for Quercus species pollen was strongest for children aged 5 to 17 years. Effects of Ambrosia species pollen on asthma exacerbations were difficult to assess in this large-scale temporal analysis because of possible confounding by the steep increase in circulating rhinoviruses every September. CONCLUSION Poaceae and Quercus species pollen contribute to asthma morbidity in Atlanta. Altered Quercus species and Poaceae pollen production caused by climate change could affect allergen-induced asthma morbidity in the southeastern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey A Darrow
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga
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Talreja N, Soubani AO, Sherwin RL, Baptist AP. Modifiable factors associated with severe asthma exacerbations in urban patients. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012; 109:128-32. [PMID: 22840254 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of asthma morbidity, mortality, and resource use are highest among African American individuals residing in inner-city locations, yet factors associated with adverse outcomes are not well established. OBJECTIVE To identify modifiable factors associated with asthma exacerbations. METHODS A total of 104 adult patients who presented to an inner-city hospital or emergency department (ED) with an asthma exacerbation from October 1, 2009, through June 31, 2010, completed surveys of clinical status, acute events, sociodemographic characteristics, current asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes toward asthma self-management, and perceived barriers to asthma care questionnaires. Associations with asthma hospitalizations and ED visits were assessed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 42 years, 91% were African American, 33% were insured, 57% were taking a controller medication, and 63% had an income level below the federal poverty line. On bivariate analysis, males, years of asthma, history of smoking, self-classification of asthma severity, history of admission to intensive care unit or intubation, use of peak flow meter or asthma action plan, controller medication use, and history of oral corticosteroid bursts were positively associated, whereas self-efficacy was negatively associated with number of ED visits or hospitalizations. No association was found for asthma knowledge, perceived barriers to care, or attitudes toward asthma management. On multivariate analysis, low self-efficacy remained associated with both asthma hospitalizations and ED visits. CONCLUSION Short-term use of health services for asthma is negatively associated with asthma self-efficacy. Self-management programs that enhance self-efficacy, rather than those that focus on knowledge or attitudes, may be effective in reducing adverse asthma outcomes for inner-city, predominantly African American populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Talreja
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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Weber RW. Allergen of the month--sycamore maple. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012; 108:A13. [PMID: 22469457 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Weber
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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Effects of ambient pollen concentrations on frequency and severity of asthma symptoms among asthmatic children. Epidemiology 2012; 23:55-63. [PMID: 22082997 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0b013e31823b66b8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on the associations between ambient pollen exposures and daily respiratory symptoms have produced inconsistent results. We investigated these relationships in a cohort of asthmatic children using pollen exposure models to estimate individual ambient exposures. METHODS Daily symptoms of wheeze, night symptoms, shortness of breath, chest tightness, persistent cough, and rescue medication use were recorded in a cohort of 430 children with asthma (age 4-12 years) in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Daily ambient exposures to tree, grass, weed, and total pollen were estimated using mixed-effects models. We stratified analyses by use of asthma maintenance medication and sensitization to grass or weed pollens. Separate logistic regression analyses using generalized estimating equations were performed for each symptom outcome and pollen type. We adjusted analyses for maximum daily temperature, maximum 8-hour average ozone, fine particles (PM2.5), season, and antibiotic use. RESULTS Associations were observed among children sensitized to specific pollens; these associations varied by use of asthma maintenance medication. Exposures to even relatively low levels of weed pollen (6-9 grains/m(3)) were associated with increased shortness of breath, chest tightness, rescue medication use, wheeze, and persistent cough, compared with lower exposure among sensitized children on maintenance medication. Grass pollen exposures ≥ 2 grains/m(3) were associated with wheeze, night symptoms, shortness of breath, and persistent cough compared with lower exposure among sensitized children who did not take maintenance medication. CONCLUSION Even low-level pollen exposure was associated with daily asthmatic symptoms.
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Abstract
Climate change is expected to have an impact on various aspects of health, including mucosal areas involved in allergic inflammatory disorders that include asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and anaphylaxis. The evidence that links climate change to the exacerbation and the development of allergic disease is increasing and appears to be linked to changes in pollen seasons (duration, onset and intensity) and changes in allergen content of plants and their pollen as it relates to increased sensitization, allergenicity and exacerbations of allergic airway disease. This has significant implications for air quality and for the global food supply.
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Sheffield PE, Weinberger KR, Ito K, Matte TD, Mathes RW, Robinson GS, Kinney PL. The association of tree pollen concentration peaks and allergy medication sales in new york city: 2003-2008. ISRN ALLERGY 2011; 2011:537194. [PMID: 23724230 PMCID: PMC3658798 DOI: 10.5402/2011/537194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The impact of pollen exposure on population allergic illness is poorly characterized. We explore the association of tree pollen and over-the-counter daily allergy medication sales in the New York City metropolitan area. Dates of peak tree pollen (maple, oak, and birch) concentrations were identified from 2003 to 2008. Daily allergy medication sales reported to the city health department were analyzed as a function of the same-day and lagged tree pollen peak indicators, adjusting for season, year, temperature, and day of week. Significant associations were found between tree pollen peaks and allergy medication sales, with the strongest association at 2-day lag (excess sales of 28.7% (95% CI: 17.4-41.2) over the average sales during the study period). The cumulative effect over the 7-day period on and after the tree pollen peak dates was estimated to be 141.1% (95% CI: 79.4-224.1). In conclusion, tree pollen concentration peaks were followed by large increases in over-the-counter allergy medication sales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry E. Sheffield
- Departments of Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl., Box 1512, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kate R. Weinberger
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032-3727, USA
| | - Kazuhiko Ito
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Thomas D. Matte
- Urban Public Health Program, Hunter College, City University of New York School of Public Health, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Robert W. Mathes
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, NY 10007, USA
| | - Guy S. Robinson
- Louis Calder Center, Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, New York, NY 10504-1104, USA
| | - Patrick L. Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032-3727, USA
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