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Ranpal S, von Bargen S, Gilles S, Luschkova D, Landgraf M, Bogawski P, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Büttner C, Damialis A, Fritsch M, Jochner-Oette S. Continental-scale evaluation of downy birch pollen production: Estimating the impacts of global change. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119114. [PMID: 38729412 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119114] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The high prevalence of hay fever in Europe has raised concerns about the implications of climate change-induced higher temperatures on pollen production. Our study focuses on downy birch pollen production across Europe by analyzing 456 catkins during 2019-2021 in 37 International Phenological Gardens (IPG) spanning a large geographic gradient. As IPGs rely on genetically identical plants, we were able to reduce the effects of genetic variability. We studied the potential association with masting behavior and three model specifications based on mean and quantile regression to assess the impact of meteorology (e.g., temperature and precipitation) and atmospheric gases (e.g., ozone (O3) and carbon-dioxide (CO2)) on pollen and catkin production, while controlling for tree age approximated by stem circumference. The results revealed a substantial geographic variability in mean pollen production, ranging from 1.9 to 2.5 million pollen grains per catkin. Regression analyses indicated that elevated average temperatures of the previous summer corresponded to increased pollen production, while higher O3 levels led to a reduction. Additionally, catkins number was positively influenced by preceding summer's temperature and precipitation but negatively by O3 levels. The investigation of quantile effects revealed that the impacts of mean temperature and O3 levels from the previous summer varied throughout the conditional response distribution. We found that temperature predominantly affected trees characterized by a high pollen production. We therefore suggest that birches modulate their physiological processes to optimize pollen production under varying temperature regimes. In turn, O3 levels negatively affected trees with pollen production levels exceeding the conditional median. We conclude that future temperature increase might exacerbate pollen production while other factors may modify (decrease in the case of O3 and amplify for precipitation) this effect. Our comprehensive study sheds light on potential impacts of climate change on downy birch pollen production, which is crucial for birch reproduction and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Ranpal
- Physical Geography/Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany.
| | - Susanne von Bargen
- Humboldt-University of Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Crop and Animal Sciences, Division Phytomedicine, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Gilles
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Daria Luschkova
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Maria Landgraf
- Humboldt-University of Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Crop and Animal Sciences, Division Phytomedicine, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Pawel Bogawski
- Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany; CK CARE, Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education, Davos, Switzerland; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Munich, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Carmen Büttner
- Humboldt-University of Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Crop and Animal Sciences, Division Phytomedicine, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Athanasios Damialis
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany; Terrestrial Ecology and Climate Change, Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Markus Fritsch
- Chair of Statistics and Data Analytics, School of Business, Economics and Information Systems, University of Passau, Passau, Germany.
| | - Susanne Jochner-Oette
- Physical Geography/Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany.
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Kim J, Zaitchik B, Waugh D. How Does Climate Change Affect the Upper Airway? Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2024; 57:309-317. [PMID: 37923592 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that climate change is having a significant influence on exacerbations of airway disease. We herein explore the physical factors of carbon dioxide, temperature increases, and humidity on intensifying allergen and fungal growth, and worsening air quality. The direct influence of these factors on promoting allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Benjamin Zaitchik
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Kennedy Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Olin Hall 301, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Darryn Waugh
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Kennedy Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Olin Hall 320, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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3
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Ahdoot S, Baum CR, Cataletto MB, Hogan P, Wu CB, Bernstein A. Climate Change and Children's Health: Building a Healthy Future for Every Child. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023065505. [PMID: 38374808 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Observed changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, sea level, and extreme weather are destabilizing major determinants of human health. Children are at higher risk of climate-related health burdens than adults because of their unique behavior patterns; developing organ systems and physiology; greater exposure to air, food, and water contaminants per unit of body weight; and dependence on caregivers. Climate change harms children through numerous pathways, including air pollution, heat exposure, floods and hurricanes, food insecurity and nutrition, changing epidemiology of infections, and mental health harms. As the planet continues to warm, climate change's impacts will worsen, threatening to define the health and welfare of children at every stage of their lives. Children who already bear higher burden of disease because of living in low-wealth households and communities, lack of access to high quality education, and experiencing racism and other forms of unjust discrimination bear greater risk of suffering from climate change hazards. Climate change solutions, advanced through collaborative work of pediatricians, health systems, communities, corporations, and governments lead to immediate gains in child health and equity and build a foundation for generations of children to thrive. This technical report reviews the nature of climate change and its associated child health effects and supports the recommendations in the accompanying policy statement on climate change and children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ahdoot
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Carl R Baum
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Bono Cataletto
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York
| | - Patrick Hogan
- Pediatric Residency Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christina B Wu
- O'Neill Center for Global and National Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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4
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Orasche J, Luschkova D, Traidl-Hoffmann C. [Allergies in the light of global environmental changes]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 75:93-103. [PMID: 38194098 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in allergies began worldwide with the onset of the Great Acceleration. Environmental pollution and climate change now threaten to cancel out decades of success in health research. OBJECTIVE A summary of environmental influences is provided, which not only shows the significant increase in the prevalence of allergies worldwide but also that of noncommunicable diseases. The effects of the climate crisis on allergies and the multifactorial and interfunctional relationships with other environmental changes are described in detail. MATERIAL AND METHODS In order to obtain an overview of the possible effects of global environmental changes on allergies, a wide range of literature was evaluated and the study results were prepared and summarized. RESULTS A large number of allergens are influencing the human exposome on a daily basis. These allergens are triggered by environmental changes, such as air pollution in the ambient air and indoors, chemicals in everyday objects or residues in food. People are sensitized by the interaction of allergens and pollutants. CONCLUSION The prevalence of allergies is stagnating in industrialized countries. This is probably just the calm before the storm. The accelerating effects of global warming could make pollen and air pollutants even more aggressive in the future. Urgent action is therefore needed to minimize environmental pollution and mitigate climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Orasche
- Medizinische Fakultät, Lehrstuhl für Umweltmedizin, Universität Augsburg, Neusässer Str. 47, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland
| | - Daria Luschkova
- Medizinische Fakultät, Lehrstuhl für Umweltmedizin, Universität Augsburg, Neusässer Str. 47, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Medizinische Fakultät, Lehrstuhl für Umweltmedizin, Universität Augsburg, Neusässer Str. 47, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland.
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Grewling Ł, Ribeiro H, Antunes C, Apangu GP, Çelenk S, Costa A, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Galveias A, Gonzalez Roldan N, Lika M, Magyar D, Martinez-Bracero M, Ørby P, O'Connor D, Penha AM, Pereira S, Pérez-Badia R, Rodinkova V, Xhetani M, Šauliene I, Skjøth CA. Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167042. [PMID: 37709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167042] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Celia Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Sevcan Çelenk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Ana Galveias
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nestor Gonzalez Roldan
- Group of Biofunctional Metabolites and Structures, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Borstel, Germany; Pollen Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mirela Lika
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Pia Ørby
- Department of Environmental Science, Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 E432, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Marchã Penha
- Water Laboratory, School of Sciences and Technology, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora. 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pereira
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Merita Xhetani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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Barker T, Bulling M, Thomas V, Sweet M. The Effect of Pollen on Coral Health. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1469. [PMID: 38132295 PMCID: PMC10740922 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Corals are facing a range of threats, including rises in sea surface temperature and ocean acidification. Some now argue that keeping corals ex situ (in aquaria), may be not only important but necessary to prevent local extinction, for example in the Florida Reef Tract. Such collections or are already becoming common place, especially in the Caribbean, and may act as an ark, preserving and growing rare or endangered species in years to come. However, corals housed in aquaria face their own unique set of threats. For example, hobbyists (who have housed corals for decades) have noticed seasonal mortality is commonplace, incidentally following months of peak pollen production. So, could corals suffer from hay fever? If so, what does the future hold? In short, the answer to the first question is simple, and it is no, corals cannot suffer from hay fever, primarily because corals lack an adaptive immune system, which is necessary for the diagnosis of such an allergy. However, the threat from pollen could still be real. In this review, we explore how such seasonal mortality could play out. We explore increases in reactive oxygen species, the role of additional nutrients and how the microbiome of the pollen may introduce disease or cause dysbiosis in the holobiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triona Barker
- Aquatic Research Facility, Nature-Based Solutions Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Mark Bulling
- Aquatic Research Facility, Nature-Based Solutions Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Vincent Thomas
- Coral Spawning Lab, Unit 6 Midas Metro Centre, 193 Garth Road, Morden SM4 4NE, UK
| | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Nature-Based Solutions Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
- Coral Spawning Lab, Unit 6 Midas Metro Centre, 193 Garth Road, Morden SM4 4NE, UK
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Jetschni J, Fritsch M, Jochner-Oette S. How does pollen production of allergenic species differ between urban and rural environments? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023; 67:1839-1852. [PMID: 37658998 PMCID: PMC10589151 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollen production is one plant characteristic that is considered to be altered by changes in environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated pollen production of the three anemophilous species Betula pendula, Plantago lanceolata, and Dactylis glomerata along an urbanization gradient in Ingolstadt, Germany. We compared pollen production with the potential influencing factors urbanization, air temperature, and the air pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). While we measured air temperature in the field, we computed concentration levels of NO2 and O3 from a land use regression model. The results showed that average pollen production (in million pollen grains) was 1.2 ± 1.0 per catkin of Betula pendula, 5.0 ± 2.4 per inflorescence of Plantago lanceolata, and 0.7 ± 0.5 per spikelet of Dactylis glomerata. Pollen production was higher in rural compared to urban locations on average for B. pendula (+ 73%) and P. lanceolata (+ 31%), while the opposite was the case for D. glomerata (- 14%). We found that there was substantial heterogeneity across the three species with respect to the association of pollen production and environmental influences. Pollen production decreased for all species with increasing temperature and urbanization, while for increasing pollutant concentrations, decreases were observed for B. pendula, P. lanceolata, and increases for D. glomerata. Additionally, pollen production was found to be highly variable across species and within species-even at small spatial distances. Experiments should be conducted to further explore plant responses to altering environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Jetschni
- Physical Geography / Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Markus Fritsch
- Chair of Statistics and Data Analytics, School of Business, Economics and Information Systems, University of Passau, Passau, Germany
| | - Susanne Jochner-Oette
- Physical Geography / Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
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Bergmann KC, Brehler R, Endler C, Höflich C, Kespohl S, Plaza M, Raulf M, Standl M, Thamm R, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Werchan B. Impact of climate change on allergic diseases in Germany. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2023; 8:76-102. [PMID: 37799537 PMCID: PMC10548488 DOI: 10.25646/11654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Allergic diseases, especially inhalation allergies, have reached epidemic levels and environmental factors play an important role in their development. Climate change influences the occurrence, frequency, and severity of allergic diseases. Methods The contents of this article were selected by the authors and developed section by section according to their expertise and the current state of knowledge. The sections were then discussed and agreed upon amongst all authors. Results The article highlights direct and indirect effects of climate change on allergies. It goes into detail about the connections between climate change and (new) pollen allergens as well as (new) occupational inhalation allergens, explains the effects of climate change on the clinical picture of atopic dermatitis, discusses the connections between air pollutants and allergies, and provides information about the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma. Conclusions There is a need for action in the field of pollen and fungal spore monitoring, allergy and sensitisation monitoring, urban planning from an allergological perspective, and changes in the working environment, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Institute of Allergology Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP Immunology and Allergology Berlin, Germany
| | - Randolf Brehler
- University Hospital Münster, Department of Dermatology, Outpatient Clinic for Allergology, Occupational Dermatology and Environmental Medicine Münster, Germany
| | - Christina Endler
- German Meteorological Service Research Centre Human Biometeorology Freiburg, Germany
| | - Conny Höflich
- German Environment Agency Section II 1.5 Environmental medicine and health effects assessment Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Kespohl
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Competence Centre Allergology/Immunology Bochum, Germany
| | - Maria Plaza
- University Hospital Augsburg, Medical Faculty, Environmental Medicine Augsburg, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Competence Centre Allergology/Immunology Bochum, Germany
| | - Marie Standl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Roma Thamm
- Robert Koch Institute Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Barbora Werchan
- German Pollen Information Service Foundation Berlin, Germany
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Lappe BL, Ebelt S, D'Souza RR, Manangan A, Brown C, Saha S, Harris D, Chang HH, Sole A, Scovronick N. Pollen and asthma morbidity in Atlanta: A 26-year time-series study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107998. [PMID: 37290290 PMCID: PMC10600739 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to many environmental risk factors, the relationship between pollen and asthma is understudied, including how associations may differ by pollen type and between subgroups, and how associations may be changing over time. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the association between ambient pollen concentrations and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma and wheeze in Atlanta, Georgia during 1993-2018. We estimated overall associations for 13 individual pollen taxa, as well as associations by decade, race, age (5-17, 18-64, 65+), and insurance status (Medicaid vs non-Medicaid). METHODS Speciated pollen data were acquired from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, a nationally certified pollen counting station. ED visit data were obtained from individual hospitals and from the Georgia Hospital Association. We performed time-series analyses using quasi-Poisson distributed lag models, with primary analyses assessing 3-day (lag 0-2 days) pollen levels. Models controlled for day of week, holidays, air temperature, month, year, and month-by-year interactions. RESULTS From 1993 to 2018, there were 686,259 ED visits for asthma and wheeze in the dataset, and the number of ED visits increased over time. We observed positive associations of asthma and wheeze ED visits with nine of the 13 pollen taxa: trees (maple, birch, pine, oak, willow, sycamore, and mulberry), two weeds (nettle and pigweed), and grasses. Rate ratios indicated 1-8% increases in asthma and wheeze ED visits per standard deviation increases in pollen. In general, we observed stronger associations in the earliest period (1993-2000), in younger people, and in Black patients; however, results varied by pollen taxa. CONCLUSIONS Some, but not all, types of pollen are associated with increased ED visits for asthma/wheeze. Associations are generally higher in Black and younger patients and appear to have decreased over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke L Lappe
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Rohan R D'Souza
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arie Manangan
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Claudia Brown
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shubhayu Saha
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington DC, USA
| | - Drew Harris
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Howard H Chang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam Sole
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Noah Scovronick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Respiratory allergy correlates strictly with air pollution and climate change. Due to climate change, the atmospheric content of trigger factors such as pollens and moulds increase and induce rhinitis and asthma in sensitized patients with IgE-mediated allergic reactions.Pollen allergy is frequently used to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases. Pollen allergens trigger the release of immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory mediators and accelerate the onset of sensitization to respiratory allergens in predisposed children and adults. Lightning storms during pollen seasons can exacerbate respiratory allergy and asthma not only in adults but also in children with pollinosis. In this study, we have focalized the trigger (chemical and biologic) factors of outdoor air pollution. RECENT FINDINGS Environmental pollution and climate change have harmful effects on human health, particularly on respiratory system, with frequent impact on social systems.Climate change is characterized by physic meteorological events inducing increase of production and emission of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into the atmosphere. Allergenic plants produce more pollen as a response to high atmospheric levels of CO 2 . Climate change also affects extreme atmospheric events such as heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, floods, cyclones and hurricanes. These climate events, in particular thunderstorms during pollen seasons, can increase the intensity of asthma attacks in pollinosis patients. SUMMARY Climate change has important effects on the start and pathogenetic aspects of hypersensitivity of pollen allergy. Climate change causes an increase in the production of pollen and a change in the aspects increasing their allergenic properties. Through the effects of climate change, plant growth can be altered so that the new pollen produced are modified affecting more the human health. The need for public education and adoption of governmental measures to prevent environmental pollution and climate change are urgent. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, chemical and biologic contributors to air pollution are of critical importance. Extreme weather phenomena such as thunderstorms can trigger exacerbations of asthma attacks and need to be prevented with a correct information and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Specialty A. Cardarelli Hospital, Napoli, Italy and Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, University of Naples Federico II
| | - Maria D'Amato
- First Division of Pneumology, High Specialty Hospital 'V. Monaldi' and University 'Federico II' Medical School Naples, Napoli, Italy
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Visez N, Hamzé M, Vandenbossche K, Occelli F, de Nadaï P, Tobon Y, Hájek T, Choël M. Uptake of ozone by allergenic pollen grains. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121793. [PMID: 37196838 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ozone exacerbates allergy symptoms to certain pollens. The molecular mechanisms by which ozone affects pollen grains (PGs) and allergies are not fully understood, especially as the effects of pollutants may vary depending on the type of pollen. In this work, pollens of 22 different taxa were exposed under laboratory conditions to ozone (100 ppb) to quantify the ozone uptake by the PGs. The ozone uptake was highly variable among the 22 taxa tested. The highest ozone uptake per PG was measured on Acer negundo PGs (2.5 ± 0.2 pg. PG-1). On average, tree pollens captured significantly more ozone than herbaceous pollens (average values of 0.5 and 0.02 pg. PG-1, respectively). No single parameter (such as the number of apertures, time of the year for the pollen season, pollen size, or lipid fraction) could predict a pollen's ability to take up ozone. Lipids seem to act as a barrier to ozone uptake and play a protective role for some taxa. After inhalation of PGs, pollen-transported ozone could be transferred to mucous membranes and exacerbate symptoms through oxidative stress and local inflammation. Although the amount of ozone transported is small in absolute terms, it is significant compared to the antioxidant capacity of nasal mucus at a microscale. This mechanism of pollen-induced oxidative stress could explain the aggravation of allergic symptoms during ozone pollution episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Visez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR, 8516, LASIRE - Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour Les Interactions, La Réactivité et L'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Mona Hamzé
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR, 8516, LASIRE - Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour Les Interactions, La Réactivité et L'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de L'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Klervi Vandenbossche
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR, 8516, LASIRE - Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour Les Interactions, La Réactivité et L'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR, 4515, LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et Géo-Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Florent Occelli
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR, 4515, LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et Géo-Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Patricia de Nadaï
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Yeny Tobon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR, 8516, LASIRE - Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour Les Interactions, La Réactivité et L'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Tomáš Hájek
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Choël
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR, 8516, LASIRE - Laboratoire de Spectroscopie pour Les Interactions, La Réactivité et L'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
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12
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Fluhr JW, Stevanovic K, Joshi P, Bergmann KC, Herzog LS, Alwaheed Y, Al Sowaidi S, Zuberbier T. Skin Physiology, Mucosal Functions, and Symptoms Are Modulated by Grass Pollen and Ozone Double Exposure in Allergic Patients. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 36:195-204. [PMID: 36927995 DOI: 10.1159/000530115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Along with climate changes, we see an increase in allergic symptoms and the number of pollen-allergic patients in many countries. Increased allergic symptoms are associated with an elevated ozone exposure which may be linked by impaired epithelial barrier function. This study aimed to quantify the clinical effect of ozone and pollen double exposure (DE). We tested whether ozone impairs barrier-related skin physiology and mucosal functions under DE with pollen in grass pollen-allergic patients versus healthy controls. METHODS This case-control study included 8 grass pollen-allergic patients and 8 non-allergic healthy subjects exposed to grass pollen and ozone in the GA2LEN pollen chamber, comparing shorter and longer DE duration. Non-invasive skin physiological parameters were assessed, including stratum corneum hydration, skin redness, surface pH, and basal transepidermal water loss as a parameter for epidermal barrier function. The subjects' general well-being, bronchial, nasal, and ocular symptoms were documented. RESULTS Skin physiology tests revealed that DE in allergic patients deteriorates the epidermal barrier function and increases the surface pH and skin redness. DE significantly induced nasal secretion in pollen-allergic versus healthy subjects, which was more pronounced with longer DE. The general well-being was significantly impaired under DE versus pollen or ozone alone, with a negative influence of DE duration. No relevant bronchial symptoms were recorded. CONCLUSION Skin physiology and nasal mucosal symptoms are negatively affected by ozone and grass pollen DE in allergic patients. The negative effects showed, in some parameters, a dose (time)-response relationship. The pH can be regarded as a possible modulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim W Fluhr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Stevanovic
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Priyanka Joshi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonie S Herzog
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yasmeen Alwaheed
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shirina Al Sowaidi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Beggs PJ, Clot B, Sofiev M, Johnston FH. Climate change, airborne allergens, and three translational mitigation approaches. EBioMedicine 2023:104478. [PMID: 36805358 PMCID: PMC10363419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the important adverse impacts of climate change on human health is increases in allergic respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. This impact is via the effects of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and air temperature on sources of airborne allergens such as pollen and fungal spores. This review describes these effects and then explores three translational mitigation approaches that may lead to improved health outcomes, with recent examples and developments highlighted. Impacts have already been observed on the seasonality, production and atmospheric concentration, allergenicity, and geographic distribution of airborne allergens, and these are projected to continue into the future. A technological revolution is underway that has the potential to advance patient management by better avoiding associated increased exposures, including automated real-time airborne allergen monitoring, airborne allergen forecasting and modelling, and smartphone apps for mitigating the health impacts of airborne allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Beggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
| | - Bernard Clot
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss, 1530 Payerne, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail Sofiev
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
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14
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Kim J, Waugh DW, Zaitchik BF, Luong A, Bergmark R, Lam K, Roland L, Levy J, Lee JT, Cho DY, Ramanathan M, Baroody F, Takashima M, O'Brien D, Lin SY, Joe S, Chaaban MR, Butrymowicz A, Smith S, Mullings W, Smith S, Mullings W. Climate change, the environment, and rhinologic disease. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2022; 13:865-876. [PMID: 36575965 DOI: 10.1002/alr.23128] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The escalating negative impact of climate change on our environment has the potential to result in significant morbidity of rhinologic diseases. METHODS Evidence based review of examples of rhinologic diseases including allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis was performed. RESULTS The lower socioeconomic population, including historically oppressed groups, will be disproportionately affected. CONCLUSIONS We need a systematic approach to improve healthcare database infrastructure and funding to promote diverse scientific collaboration to address these healthcare needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Kim
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Darryn W Waugh
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin F Zaitchik
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amber Luong
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McGovern Medical School of University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Regan Bergmark
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kent Lam
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Lauren Roland
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joshua Levy
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jivianne T Lee
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Do-Yeon Cho
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Murugappan Ramanathan
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fuad Baroody
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mas Takashima
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel O'Brien
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra Y Lin
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephanie Joe
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mohamad R Chaaban
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Anna Butrymowicz
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Smith
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Warren Mullings
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Kingston Public Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Stephanie Smith
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Warren Mullings
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Kingston Public Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
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15
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Singh AB, Kumar P. Climate change and allergic diseases: An overview. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:964987. [PMID: 36310569 PMCID: PMC9606573 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.964987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change has been regarded as a threat to the human species on the earth. Greenhouse gasses are leading to increased temperatures on Earth besides impacting the humanity. These atmospheric conditions have shown to alter the release pattern of pollens and can change the timing and magnitude of pollen release with flowering plants. As pollen is responsible for respiratory allergies in humans, so climate change can adversely affect human health in susceptible individuals. In this review, we highlight the association between climate change, increased prevalence and severity of asthma, and related allergic diseases. Increased air pollution can alter the production of local and regional pollen. This altered pattern depends on bioclimatic parameters. As simulated with a pollen-release model and future bioclimatic data, warmer temperatures lead to an increased pollen count in some specific locations and for longer periods. Thus, anticipation of a future allergic disease burden can help public health agencies in planning to develop strategies in mitigating the unprecedented health challenges expected in future years.
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16
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Tong S, Beggs PJ, Davies JM, Jiang F, Kinney PL, Liu S, Yin Y, Ebi KL. Compound impacts of climate change, urbanization and biodiversity loss on allergic disease. Int J Epidemiol 2022:6760684. [PMID: 36228124 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Tong
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,School of Public Health, Institute of Environment and Population Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul J Beggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fan Jiang
- Department of Child Health, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrick L Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Shijian Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kristie L Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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17
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Adams-Groom B, Selby K, Derrett S, Frisk CA, Pashley CH, Satchwell J, King D, McKenzie G, Neilson R. Pollen season trends as markers of climate change impact: Betula, Quercus and Poaceae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154882. [PMID: 35364159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The incidences of respiratory allergies are at an all-time high. Pollen aeroallergens can reflect changing climate, with recent studies in Europe showing some, but not all, pollen types are increasing in severity, season duration and experiencing an earlier onset. This study aimed to identify pollen trends in the UK over the last twenty-six years for a range of pollen sites, with a focus on the key pollen types of Poaceae (grass), Betula (birch) and Quercus (oak) and to examine the relationship of these trends with meteorological factors. Betula pollen seasons show no significant trends for onset, first high day or duration but increasing pollen production in the Midlands region of the UK is being driven by warmer temperatures in the previous June and July. Quercus pollen seasons are starting earlier, due to increasing temperature and sunshine totals in April, but are not becoming more severe. The seasons are lasting longer, although no significant climate drivers for this were identified. The first high day of the Poaceae pollen season is occurring earlier in central UK regions due to an increasing trend for all temperature variables in the previous December, January, April, May and June. Severity and duration of the season show no significant trends and are spatially and temporally variable. Important changes are occurring in the UK pollen seasons that will impact on the health of respiratory allergy sufferers, with more severe Betula pollen seasons and longer Quercus pollen seasons. Most of the changes identified were caused by climate drivers of increasing temperature and sunshine total. However, Poaceae pollen seasons are neither becoming more severe nor longer. The reasons for this included a lack of change in some monthly meteorological variables, or land-use change, such as grassland being replaced by urban areas or woodland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Selby
- The Department of Environment and Geography, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, UK.
| | - Sally Derrett
- Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, Minalloy House, 10-16 Regent St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S1 3NJ, UK.
| | - Carl A Frisk
- School of Science and Environment, University of Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
| | - Catherine Helen Pashley
- Aerobiology and Clinical Mycology, Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Jack Satchwell
- Aerobiology and Clinical Mycology, Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Dale King
- The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK.
| | | | - Roy Neilson
- The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK.
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18
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Addison-Smith B, Milic A, Dwarakanath D, Simunovic M, Van Haeften S, Timbrell V, Davies JM. Medium-Term Increases in Ambient Grass Pollen Between 1994-1999 and 2016-2020 in a Subtropical Climate Zone. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 2:705313. [PMID: 35387005 PMCID: PMC8974679 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.705313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Grass pollen is the major outdoor trigger of allergic respiratory diseases. Climate change is influencing pollen seasonality in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions, but many aspects of the effects on grass pollen remain unclear. Carbon dioxide and temperature rises could increase the distribution of subtropical grasses, however, medium term shifts in grass pollen in subtropical climates have not yet been analysed. This study investigates changes in grass pollen aerobiology in a subtropical city of Brisbane, Australia, between the two available monitoring periods, 1994-1999 and 2016-2020. Potential drivers of pollen change were examined including weather and satellite-derived vegetation indicators. The magnitude of the seasonal pollen index for grass showed almost a three-fold increase for 2016-2020 over 1994-1999. The number and proportion of high and extreme grass pollen days in the recent period increased compared to earlier monitoring. Statistically significant changes were also identified for distributions of CO2, satellite-derived seasonal vegetation health indices, and daily maximum temperatures, but not for minimum temperatures, daily rainfall, or seasonal fraction of green groundcover. Quarterly grass pollen levels were correlated with corresponding vegetation health indices, and with green groundcover fraction, suggesting that seasonal-scale plant health was higher in the latter period. The magnitude of grass pollen exposure in the subtropical region of Brisbane has increased markedly in the recent past, posing an increased environmental health threat. This study suggests the need for continuous pollen monitoring to track and respond to the possible effects of climate change on grass pollen loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Addison-Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andelija Milic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Divya Dwarakanath
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Marko Simunovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shanice Van Haeften
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victoria Timbrell
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Office of Research, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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Zhang Y, Steiner AL. Projected climate-driven changes in pollen emission season length and magnitude over the continental United States. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1234. [PMID: 35292649 PMCID: PMC8924258 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28764-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric conditions affect the release of anemophilous pollen, and the timing and magnitude will be altered by climate change. As simulated with a pollen emission model and future climate data, warmer end-of-century temperatures (4-6 K) shift the start of spring emissions 10-40 days earlier and summer/fall weeds and grasses 5-15 days later and lengthen the season duration. Phenological shifts depend on the temperature response of individual taxa, with convergence in some regions and divergence in others. Temperature and precipitation alter daily pollen emission maxima by -35 to 40% and increase the annual total pollen emission by 16-40% due to changes in phenology and temperature-driven pollen production. Increasing atmospheric CO2 may increase pollen production, and doubling production in conjunction with climate increases end-of-century emissions up to 200%. Land cover change modifies the distribution of pollen emitters, yet the effects are relatively small (<10%) compared to climate or CO2. These simulations indicate that increasing pollen and longer seasons will increase the likelihood of seasonal allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiao Zhang
- Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Allison L Steiner
- Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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20
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Juprasong Y, Songnuan W. Plant Stress Scenarios Differentially Affect Expression and IgE Reactivity of Grass Group-1 Allergen (β-Expansin) in Maize and Rice Pollen. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:807387. [PMID: 35386660 PMCID: PMC8974862 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.807387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Grass pollen is among the most common outdoor aeroallergens eliciting pollen allergies throughout the world. Grass group-1 allergen or β-expansin is recognized as a major pollen allergen, particularly in the grass family Poaceae. Expression of β-expansin has been shown to be dynamic and can be influenced by environmental stresses. This study evaluated the relative expression of β-expansin and IgE-binding ability of crude pollen extract protein of rice and maize under three different stress conditions: flood, salt, and drought. After 1 week of treatments, anthers containing pollen were collected followed by RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. To evaluate relative expression, qRT-PCR was performed using specific primers for β-expansin and reference genes. Physiological characteristics of treated and untreated maize and rice: plant height; fresh weight of anthers; number of inflorescences, anthers, and pollen grains were also recorded. To assess IgE-binding ability of proteins in rice pollen extracts, soluble crude proteins were extracted and IgE immunoblot and ELISA were performed using serum samples from grass-allergic subjects and healthy control donors. Results showed that plant height, fresh weight of anthers, number of inflorescences, anthers, and pollen grains of both maize and rice decreased significantly under drought stress conditions, but not in other conditions. Expression of β-expansin in pollen of rice showed an apparent increase in all stress treatments relative to control samples. In contrast, a significant decrease of β-expansin expression was detected in maize pollen under all stress-treated conditions. IgE-reactive protein bands from rice pollen extract proteins were ~30 kDa, as expected of the grass-group 1 protein. The intensity of IgE-reactive protein bands and the level of IgE to rice pollen proteins showed significant differences among stress conditions. In conclusion, environmental stresses—flood, salt, and drought, can elicit a change of β-expansin expression and IgE reactivity to grass group-1 pollen allergens. Changes in expression level of this gene likely reflected its importance during stress. However, the response is highly dependent on different schemes employed by each plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotin Juprasong
- Graduate Program in Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wisuwat Songnuan
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Wisuwat Songnuan
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21
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Olivieri M, Marchetti P, Murgia N, Nicolis M, Torroni L, Spiteri G, Ferrari M, Marcon A, Verlato G. Natural pollen exposure increases in a dose‐dependent way Fraction of exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) levels in patients sensitized to one or more pollen species. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12:e12096. [PMID: 35145632 PMCID: PMC8818091 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Olivieri
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthPoliclinico “G. Rossi”VeronaItaly
| | - Pierpaolo Marchetti
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Nicola Murgia
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and ToxicologyUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Morena Nicolis
- Unit of Hygiene and Preventive, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Lorena Torroni
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Gianluca Spiteri
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthPoliclinico “G. Rossi”VeronaItaly
| | - Marcello Ferrari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Respiratory DiseasesUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Alessandro Marcon
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Verlato
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public HealthUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
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22
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Goossens J, Bullens DMA, Dupont LJ, Seys SF. Exposome mapping in chronic respiratory diseases: the added value of digital technology. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 22:1-9. [PMID: 34845137 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The development and progression of chronic respiratory diseases are impacted by a complex interplay between genetic, microbial, and environmental factors. Here we specifically summarize the effects of environmental exposure on asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. We furthermore discuss how digital health technology may aid in the assessment of the environmental exposure of patients and how it may be of added value for them. RECENT FINDINGS It is well established that one gets allergic symptoms if sensitized and exposed to the same allergen. Viruses, bacteria, pollutants, irritants, and lifestyle-related factors modify the risk of getting sensitized and develop symptoms or may induce symptoms themselves. Understanding these processes and how the various factors interact with each other and the human body require big data and advanced statistics. Mobile health technology enables integration of multiple sources of data of the patients' exposome and link these to patient outcomes. Such technologies may contribute to the increased understanding of the development of chronic respiratory disease. SUMMARY Implementation of digital technologies in clinical practice may in future guide the development of preventive strategies to tackle chronic respiratory diseases and eventually improve outcomes of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Goossens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Transplantation, KU Leuven
| | - Dominique M A Bullens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Transplantation, KU Leuven
- Clinical Division of Pediatrics, UZ Leuven
| | - Lieven J Dupont
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven
- Clinical division of Respiratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven F Seys
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Transplantation, KU Leuven
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23
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Tong S, Bambrick H, Beggs PJ, Chen L, Hu Y, Ma W, Steffen W, Tan J. Current and future threats to human health in the Anthropocene. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106892. [PMID: 34583096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
It has been widely recognised that the threats to human health from global environmental changes (GECs) are increasing in the Anthropocene epoch, and urgent actions are required to tackle these pressing challenges. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the nine planetary boundaries and the threats to population health posed by human activities that are exceeding these boundaries in the Anthropocene. The research progress and key knowledge gaps were identified in this emerging field. Over the past three decades, there has been a great deal of research progress on health risks from climate change, land-use change and urbanisation, biodiversity loss and other GECs. However, several significant challenges remain, including the misperception of the relationship between human and nature; assessment of the compounding risks of GECs; strategies to reduce and prevent the potential health impacts of GECs; and uncertainties in fulfilling the commitments to the Paris Agreement. Confronting these challenges will require rigorous scientific research that is well-coordinated across different disciplines and various sectors. It is imperative for the international community to work together to develop informed policies to avert crises and ensure a safe and sustainable planet for the present and future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Tong
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Institute of Environment and Population Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Hilary Bambrick
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul J Beggs
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Yabin Hu
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Will Steffen
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jianguo Tan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
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24
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Thibaudon M, Besancenot JP. [Outdoor aeroallergens and climate change]. Rev Mal Respir 2021; 38:1025-1036. [PMID: 34794844 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2021.08.007] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pollen and fungal spore concentrations in outdoor air are partly dependent on atmospheric conditions. Since the climate is changing, there is a growing body of research on the effects of climate change on aeroallergens. The present article provides a rapid review of this literature, highlighting the points of agreement, but also drawing attention to the main mistakes to be avoided. STATE OF ART For pollen, the prevailing view is that rising temperatures lead to an earlier start to the pollen season, a longer season, increased allergenic potential and higher concentrations. However, there are exceptions: what is true for one taxon, in one place and at one time, can almost never be generalised. For fungal spores, it is even more difficult to state universal rules. PERSPECTIVES Four priorities can be set for future research: (1) to look for trends only on sufficiently long series and not to neglect possible trend reversals; (2) to give priority to the local scale and the separate consideration of the various pollen and mycological taxa; (3) not to limit oneself to temperature as an element of explanation, but also to consider the other elements of the climate; (4) not to try to explain any evolution in the abundance or seasonality of aeroallergens by climate change alone. CONCLUSIONS Many more analytical studies giving precedence to observation over reasoning are still required, without any preconceptions, before it is possible to synthesise the impacts of climate change on pollen and, even more so, on fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Thibaudon
- Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique (RNSA), Le Plat du Pin, 11, chemin de la Creuzille, 69690 Brussieu, France.
| | - J-P Besancenot
- Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique (RNSA), Le Plat du Pin, 11, chemin de la Creuzille, 69690 Brussieu, France
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25
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Levetin E. Aeroallergens and Climate Change in Tulsa, Oklahoma: Long-Term Trends in the South Central United States. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:726445. [PMID: 35386984 PMCID: PMC8974782 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.726445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is having a significant effect on many allergenic plants resulting in increased pollen production and shifts in plant phenology. Although these effects have been well-studied in some areas of the world, few studies have focused on long-term changes in allergenic pollen in the South Central United States. This study examined airborne pollen, temperature, and precipitation in Tulsa, Oklahoma over 25 to 34 years. Pollen was monitored with a Hirst-type spore trap on the roof of a building at the University of Tulsa and meteorology data were obtained from the National Weather Service. Changes in total pollen intensity were examined along with detailed analyses of the eight most abundant pollen types in the Tulsa atmosphere. In addition to pollen intensity, changes in pollen season start date, end date, peak date and season duration were also analyzed. Results show a trend to increasing temperatures with a significant increase in annual maximum temperature. There was a non-significant trend toward increasing total pollen and a significant increase in tree pollen over time. Several individual taxa showed significant increases in pollen intensity over the study period including spring Cupressaceae and Quercus pollen, while Ambrosia pollen showed a significant decrease. Data from the current study also indicated that the pollen season started earlier for spring pollinating trees and Poaceae. Significant correlations with preseason temperature may explain the earlier pollen season start dates along with a trend toward increasing March temperatures. More research is needed to understand the global impact of climate change on allergenic species, especially from other regions that have not been studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Levetin
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
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26
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Roblin DW, Jones JW, Fuller CH. Pollen Exposure and Associated Healthcare Utilization: A Population-based Study Using Health Maintenance Organization Data in the Washington, DC, Area. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021; 18:1642-1649. [PMID: 33794139 PMCID: PMC8522299 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202008-976oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Most studies of the healthcare utilization impact of pollen exposure have focused on emergency department visits or hospital admissions. However, other frequent but lower cost services-phone calls and e-mails to providers and office visits-may also be affected. Objectives: The objective of our study was to estimate the impact of tree and grass pollen exposures on respiratory-related healthcare utilization across a range of medical services, including calls and e-mails to providers, nonurgent face-to-face visits, urgent and emergent care visits, and hospitalizations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of daily tree and grass pollen counts linked to electronic health records of Kaiser Permanente beneficiaries in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area for 2013-2014. Results: The proportion of Kaiser Permanente beneficiaries with respiratory-related healthcare utilization was significantly greater (for P ⩽ 0.05) given a 1 standard deviation increase in same-day pollen exposure. For tree pollen, a 1 standard deviation increase in same-day pollen exposure was associated with relative increases in utilization ranging from 1.77% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-4.17%) for urgent and emergent care visits to 12.84% (95% CI, 11.02-14.65%) for provider calls/e-mails. For grass pollen exposure, a 1 standard deviation increase in same-day pollen exposure was associated with relative increases in utilization ranging from 1.42% (95% CI, 0.39-2.46) for provider face-to-face visits to 11.09% (95% CI, 9.26-12.92) for provider calls/e-mails. Conclusions: Increased pollen exposure was associated with increases in healthcare utilization across a range of services, with relatively higher increases in provider calls/e-mails and lower increases in emergent or acute care. If climate change increases intensity and geographic scope of pollen exposure as predicted and if this study's estimates of association of peak pollen exposure on healthcare utilization are generalizable, then the impact of climate change on healthcare utilization may be significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W. Roblin
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jordan W. Jones
- Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kansas City, Missouri; and
| | - Christina H. Fuller
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
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27
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Schramm PJ, Brown CL, Saha S, Conlon KC, Manangan AP, Bell JE, Hess JJ. A systematic review of the effects of temperature and precipitation on pollen concentrations and season timing, and implications for human health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:1615-1628. [PMID: 33877430 PMCID: PMC9016682 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02128-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Climate and weather directly impact plant phenology, affecting airborne pollen. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the impacts of meteorological variables on airborne pollen concentrations and pollen season timing. Using PRISMA methodology, we reviewed literature that assessed whether there was a relationship between local temperature and precipitation and measured airborne pollen. The search strategy included terms related to pollen, trends or measurements, and season timing. For inclusion, studies must have conducted a correlation analysis of at least 5 years of airborne pollen data to local meteorological data and report quantitative results. Data from peer-reviewed articles were extracted on the correlations between seven pollen indicators (main pollen season start date, end date, peak date, and length, annual pollen integral, average daily pollen concentration, and peak pollen concentration), and two meteorological variables (temperature and precipitation). Ninety-three articles were included in the analysis out of 9,679 articles screened. Overall, warmer temperatures correlated with earlier and longer pollen seasons and higher pollen concentrations. Precipitation had varying effects on pollen concentration and pollen season timing indicators. Increased precipitation may have a short-term effect causing low pollen concentrations potentially due to "wash out" effect. Long-term effects of precipitation varied for trees and weeds and had a positive correlation with grass pollen levels. With increases in temperature due to climate change, pollen seasons for some taxa in some regions may start earlier, last longer, and be more intense, which may be associated with adverse health impacts, as pollen exposure has well-known health effects in sensitized individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Schramm
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, S106-6, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - C L Brown
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, S106-6, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - S Saha
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, S106-6, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - K C Conlon
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - A P Manangan
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, S106-6, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - J E Bell
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - J J Hess
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and Global Health, and the Center for Health and the Global Environment, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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28
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Newnham RM. Monitoring airborne pollen in New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2021.1967414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rewi M. Newnham
- Schhol of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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29
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Holt EA, Heim AB, Sexton J, Hinerman K. Undergraduate student conceptions of climate change impacts on animals. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Holt
- School of Biological Sciences University of Northern Colorado Greeley Colorado 80639 USA
| | - Ashley B. Heim
- School of Biological Sciences University of Northern Colorado Greeley Colorado 80639 USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 USA
| | - Julie Sexton
- Environmental Studies Program University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80309 USA
| | - Krystal Hinerman
- Educational Leadership Lamar University Beaumont Texas 77707 USA
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30
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Cromar K, Howard P, Vásquez VN, Anthoff D. Health Impacts of Climate Change as Contained in Economic Models Estimating the Social Cost of Carbon Dioxide. GEOHEALTH 2021; 5:e2021GH000405. [PMID: 34355109 PMCID: PMC8319815 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The health impacts of climate change are substantial and represent a primary motivating factor to mitigate climate change. However, the health impacts in economic models that estimate the social cost of carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) have generally been made in isolation from health experts and have never been rigorously evaluated. Version 3.10 of the Framework for Uncertainty, Negotiation and Distribution (FUND) model was used to estimate the health-based portion of current SC-CO2 estimates across low-, middle-, and high-income regions. In addition to the base model, three additional experiments assessed the sensitivity of these estimates to changes in the socio-economic assumptions in the model. Economic impacts from adverse health outcomes represent ∼8.7% of current SC-CO2 estimates. The majority of these health impacts (74%) were attributable to diarrhea mortality (from both low- and high-income regions) followed by diarrhea morbidity (12%) and malaria mortality (11%); no other health impact makes a meaningful contribution to SC-CO2 estimates in current economic models. The results of the socio-economic experiments show that the health-based portion of SC-CO2 estimates are highly sensitive to assumptions regarding income elasticity of health effects, income growth, and use of equity weights. Improving the health-based portion of SC-CO2 estimates could have substantial impacts on magnitude of the SC-CO2. Incorporating additional health impacts not previously included in estimates of SC-CO2 will be a critical component of model updates. This effort will be most successful through coordination between economists and health researchers and should focus on updating the form and function of concentration-response functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Cromar
- Marron Institute of Urban ManagementNew York UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Departments of Environmental Medicine and Population HealthNYU School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Peter Howard
- Institute for Policy IntegrityNew York University School of LawNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Váleri N. Vásquez
- Energy and Resources GroupUniversity of California at BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
- Berkeley Institute for Data ScienceUniversity of California at BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California at BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - David Anthoff
- Energy and Resources GroupUniversity of California at BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
- Berkeley Institute for Data ScienceUniversity of California at BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
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31
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Paudel B, Chu T, Chen M, Sampath V, Prunicki M, Nadeau KC. Increased duration of pollen and mold exposure are linked to climate change. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12816. [PMID: 34140579 PMCID: PMC8211740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92178-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollen and molds are environmental allergens that are affected by climate change. As pollen and molds exhibit geographical variations, we sought to understand the impact of climate change (temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), precipitation, smoke exposure) on common pollen and molds in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the largest urban areas in the United States. When using time-series regression models between 2002 and 2019, the annual average number of weeks with pollen concentrations higher than zero increased over time. For tree pollens, the average increase in this duration was 0.47 weeks and 0.51 weeks for mold spores. Associations between mold, pollen and meteorological data (e.g., precipitation, temperature, atmospheric CO2, and area covered by wildfire smoke) were analyzed using the autoregressive integrated moving average model. We found that peak concentrations of weed and tree pollens were positively associated with temperature (p < 0.05 at lag 0–1, 0–4, and 0–12 weeks) and precipitation (p < 0.05 at lag 0–4, 0–12, and 0–24 weeks) changes, respectively. We did not find clear associations between pollen concentrations and CO2 levels or wildfire smoke exposure. This study’s findings suggest that spore and pollen activities are related to changes in observed climate change variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibek Paudel
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Theodore Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Meng Chen
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mary Prunicki
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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32
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Visez N, de Nadaï P, Choël M, Farah J, Hamzé M, Sénéchal H, Pauwels M, Frérot H, Thibaudon M, Poncet P. Biochemical composition of Phleum pratense pollen grains: A review. Mol Immunol 2021; 136:98-109. [PMID: 34098345 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Poaceae family is composed of 12,000 plant species. Some of these species produce highly allergenic anemophilous pollen grains (PGs). Phleum pratense pollen grains (PPPGs) emerged as a model for studies related to grass allergy. The biochemical composition of allergenic PGs has not yet been fully described despite potential health effects of PG constituents other than allergenic proteins. This review brings together the information available in literature aiming at creating a comprehensive picture of the current knowledge about the chemical composition of allergenic PGs from timothy grass. PPPGs have an average diameter between 30-35 μm and the mass of a single PG was reported between 11 and 26 ng. The pollen cytoplasm is filled with two types of pollen cytoplasmic granules (PCGs): the starch granules and the polysaccharide particles (p-particles). Starch granules have a size between 0.6-2.5 μm with an average diameter of 1.1 μm (estimated number of 1000 granules per PG) while p-particles have a size ranging around 0.3 to 0.4 μm (estimated number between 61,000-230,000 p-particles per PG). The rupture of PG induces the release of PCGs and the dispersion of allergens in the inhalable fraction of atmospheric aerosol. PPPGs are composed of sporopollenin, sugars, polysaccharides, starch, glycoproteins (including allergens), amino-acids, lipids, flavonoids (including isorhamnetin), various elements (the more abundant being Si, Mg and Ca), phenolic compounds, phytoprostanoids, carotenoids (pigments) metals and adsorbed pollutants. PPPG contains about a hundred different proteins with molecular masses ranging from 10 to 94 kDa, with isoelectric points from 3.5-10.6. Among these proteins, allergens are classified in eleven groups from 1 to 13 with allergens from groups 1 and 5 being the major contributors to Phl p pollen allergy. Major allergen Phl p 5 was quantified in PPPGs by several studies with concentration ranging from 2.7 and 3.5 μg.mg-1 in unpolluted environment. Values for other allergens are scarce in literature; only one quantitative assessment exists for allergen groups Phl p 1, 2 and 4. The extractible lipid fraction of PPPGs is estimated between 1.7-2.2% of the total PG mass. The main chemical families of lipids reported in PPPGs are: alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, di- and tri-hydroxylated fatty acids, aldehydes and sterols. Several lipid compounds with potential adjuvant effects on allergy have been specifically quantified in PPPGs: E2-like prostaglandin (PGE2), B4-like leukotriene (LTB4), unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids and their hydroxylated derivatives), adenosine, vitamins and phenolic compounds. Some other biochemical characteristics such as NAD(P)H oxidase, protease activity and pollen microbiome were described in the literature. The bioaccessibility in physiological conditions has not been described for most biochemicals transported by allergenic PPPGs. There is also a considerable lack of knowledge about the potential health effects of pollen constituents other than allergens. The variability of pollen composition remains also largely unknown despite its importance for plant reproduction and allergy in an environment characterized by chemical pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Visez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Patricia de Nadaï
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Marie Choël
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Jinane Farah
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Mona Hamzé
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Sénéchal
- Immunology Department, Allergy & Environment Team, Children Armand Trousseau Hospital APHP, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Pauwels
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Frérot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIRE - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Michel Thibaudon
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, Le Plat du Pin, 69690, Brussieu, France
| | - Pascal Poncet
- Immunology Department, Allergy & Environment Team, Children Armand Trousseau Hospital APHP, 75012, Paris, France; Immunology Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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33
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Gehrig R, Clot B. 50 Years of Pollen Monitoring in Basel (Switzerland) Demonstrate the Influence of Climate Change on Airborne Pollen. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:677159. [PMID: 35387022 PMCID: PMC8974697 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.677159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change and human impact on vegetation modify the timing and the intensity of the pollen season. The 50 years of pollen monitoring in Basel, Switzerland provide a unique opportunity to study long-term changes in pollen data. Since 1969, pollen monitoring has been carried out in Basel with a Hirst-type pollen trap. Pollen season parameters for start dates, end dates and duration were calculated with different pollen season definitions, which are commonly used in aerobiology. Intensity was analyzed by the annual pollen integral (APIn), peak value and the number of days above specific thresholds. Linear trends were calculated with the non-parametric Mann Kendall method with a Theil-Sen linear trend slope. During the last 50 years, linear increase of the monthly mean temperatures in Basel was 0.95–1.95°C in the 3 winter months, 2–3.7°C in spring months and 2.75–3.85°C in summer months. Due to this temperature increase, the start dates of the pollen season for most of the spring pollen species have advanced, from 7 days for Poaceae to 29 days for Taxus/Cupressaceae. End dates of the pollen season depend on the chosen pollen season definition. Negative trends predominate, i.e., the pollen season mostly ends earlier. Trends in the length of the pollen season depend even more on the season definitions and results are contradictory and often not significant. The intensity of the pollen season of almost all tree pollen taxa increased significantly, while the Poaceae pollen season did not change and the pollen season of herbs decreased, except for Urticaceae pollen. Climate change has a particular impact on the pollen season, but the definitions used for the pollen season parameters are crucial for the calculation of the trends. The most stable results were achieved with threshold definitions that indicate regular occurrence above certain concentrations. Percentage definitions are not recommended for trend studies when the annual pollen integral changed significantly.
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Lambert KA, Markevych I, Yang BY, Bauer CP, Berdel D, von Berg A, Bergmann KC, Lodge C, Koletzko S, Prendergast LA, Schikowski T, Schulz H, Werchan M, Heinrich J, Standl M, Erbas B. Association of early life and acute pollen exposure with lung function and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). A prospective study up to adolescence in the GINIplus and LISA cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:143006. [PMID: 33131877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pollen exposure has both acute and chronic detrimental effects on allergic asthma, but little is known about its wider effects on respiratory health. This is increasingly important knowledge as ambient pollen levels are changing with the changing global climate. OBJECTIVE To assess associations of pollen exposure with lung function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) at age 15 in two prospective German birth cohorts, GINIplus and LISA. METHODS Background city-specific pollen exposure was measured in infancy (during the first three months of life), and contemporary (on the day of and 7 days prior to lung function measurement). Greenness levels within circular buffers (100-3000 m) around the birth and 15-year home addresses were calculated using the satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Regression models were used to assess the associations of grass and birch pollen with lung function and FeNO, and the modifying effects of residential greenness were explored. RESULTS Cumulative early life exposure to grass pollen was associated with reduced lung function in adolescence (FEV1: -4.9 mL 95%CI: -9.2, -0.6 and FVC: -5.2 mL 95%CI: -9.8, -0.5 per doubling of pollen count). Acute grass pollen exposure was associated with increased airway inflammation in all children, with higher FeNO increases in children living in green areas. In contrast acute birch pollen exposure was associated with reduced lung function only in children sensitised to birch allergens. CONCLUSION This study provides suggestive evidence that early pollen exposure has a negative effect on later lung function, which is in turn influenced by acute pollen exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina A Lambert
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Carl-Peter Bauer
- Department of Pediatrics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Berdel
- Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Wesel, Wesel, Germany
| | - Andrea von Berg
- Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Wesel, Wesel, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sibylle Koletzko
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, School of Medicine Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Luke A Prendergast
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tamara Schikowski
- IUF, Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Schulz
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie Standl
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bircan Erbas
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
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Jung S, Estrella N, Pfaffl MW, Hartmann S, Ewald F, Menzel A. Impact of elevated air temperature and drought on pollen characteristics of major agricultural grass species. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248759. [PMID: 33770086 PMCID: PMC7997036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Grass pollen allergens are known to be one of the major triggers of hay fever with an increasing number of humans affected by pollen associated health impacts. Climate change characterized by increasing air temperature and more frequent drought periods might affect plant development and pollen characteristics. In this study a one-year (2017) field experiment was conducted in Bavaria, Germany, simulating drought by excluding rain and elevated air temperature by installing a heating system to investigate their effects primarily on the allergenic potential of eight selected cultivars of the two grass species timothy and perennial ryegrass. It could be shown for timothy that especially under drought and heat conditions the allergen content is significantly lower accompanied by a decrease in pollen weight and protein content. In perennial ryegrass the response to drought and heat conditions in terms of allergen content, pollen weight, and protein content was more dependent on the respective cultivar probably due to varying requirements for their growth conditions and tolerance to drought and heat. Results support recommendations which cultivars should be grown preferentially. The optimal choice of grass species and respective cultivars under changing climate conditions should be a major key aspect for the public health sector in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Jung
- Department of Life Science Systems, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Nicole Estrella
- Department of Life Science Systems, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Michael W. Pfaffl
- Department of Animal Physiology & Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stephan Hartmann
- Institute for Plant Production and Plant Breeding, Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft, Freising, Germany
| | - Franziska Ewald
- Department of Life Science Systems, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Annette Menzel
- Department of Life Science Systems, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Institute of Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
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Cariñanos P, Foyo-Moreno I, Alados I, Guerrero-Rascado JL, Ruiz-Peñuela S, Titos G, Cazorla A, Alados-Arboledas L, Díaz de la Guardia C. Bioaerosols in urban environments: Trends and interactions with pollutants and meteorological variables based on quasi-climatological series. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 282:111963. [PMID: 33465718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollen grains emitted by urban vegetation are the main primary biological airborne particles (PBAPs) which alter the biological quality of urban air and have a significant impact on human health. This work analyses the interactions which exist between pollen-type PBAPs, meteorological variables, and air pollutants in the urban atmosphere so that the complex relationships and trends in future scenarios of changing environmental conditions can be assessed. For this study, the 1992-2018 pollen data series from the city of Granada (southeast Spain) was used, in which the dynamics of the total pollen as well as the 8 main pollen types (Cupressaceae, Olea, Pinus, Platanus, Poaceae, Populus, Quercus and Urticaceae) were analysed. The trend analysis showed that all except Urticaceae trended upward throughout the series. Spearman's correlations with meteorological variables showed that, in general, the most influential variables on the pollen concentrations were the daily maximum temperature, relative humidity, water vapor pressure, global radiation, and insolation, with different effects on different pollen types. Parallel analysis by neural networks (ANN) confirmed these variables as the predominant ones, especially global radiation. The correlation with atmospheric pollutants revealed that ozone was the pollutant with the highest influence, although some pollen types also showed correlation with NO2, SO2, CO and PM10. The Generalized Linear Models (GLM) between pollen and pollutants also indicated O3 as the most prominent variable. These results highlight the active role that pollen-type PBAPs have on urban air quality by establishing their interactions with meteorological variables and pollutants, thereby providing information on the behaviour of pollen emissions under changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Cariñanos
- Department of Botany. University of Granada, Spain; Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Foyo-Moreno
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Alados
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Guerrero-Rascado
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Soledad Ruiz-Peñuela
- Department of Botany. University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria Titos
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto Cazorla
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Lucas Alados-Arboledas
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
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Kurganskiy A, Creer S, de Vere N, Griffith GW, Osborne NJ, Wheeler BW, McInnes RN, Clewlow Y, Barber A, Brennan GL, Hanlon HM, Hegarty M, Potter C, Rowney F, Adams-Groom B, Petch GM, Pashley CH, Satchwell J, de Weger LA, Rasmussen K, Oliver G, Sindt C, Bruffaerts N, Skjøth CA. Predicting the severity of the grass pollen season and the effect of climate change in Northwest Europe. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd7658. [PMID: 33771862 PMCID: PMC7997511 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd7658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation in the nose caused by overreaction of the immune system to allergens in the air. Managing allergic rhinitis symptoms is challenging and requires timely intervention. The following are major questions often posed by those with allergic rhinitis: How should I prepare for the forthcoming season? How will the season's severity develop over the years? No country yet provides clear guidance addressing these questions. We propose two previously unexplored approaches for forecasting the severity of the grass pollen season on the basis of statistical and mechanistic models. The results suggest annual severity is largely governed by preseasonal meteorological conditions. The mechanistic model suggests climate change will increase the season severity by up to 60%, in line with experimental chamber studies. These models can be used as forecasting tools for advising individuals with hay fever and health care professionals how to prepare for the grass pollen season.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Creer
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Natasha de Vere
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, UK
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK
| | - Gareth W Griffith
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK
| | - Nicholas J Osborne
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
| | | | | | | | - Georgina L Brennan
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Research/Aquatic Ecology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Matthew Hegarty
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK
| | - Caitlin Potter
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK
| | - Francis Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | | | - Geoff M Petch
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Catherine H Pashley
- Aerobiology and Clinical Mycology, Dept. of Respiratory Sciences,Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jack Satchwell
- Aerobiology and Clinical Mycology, Dept. of Respiratory Sciences,Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Letty A de Weger
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Gilles Oliver
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (R.N.S.A.), Brussieu, France
| | - Charlotte Sindt
- Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (R.N.S.A.), Brussieu, France
| | | | - Carsten A Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.
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Katelaris CH. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events in Australia: Impact on Allergic Diseases. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2020; 41:53-62. [PMID: 33228872 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Several climate change-related predictions and observations have been documented for the Australian continent. Extreme weather events such as cycles of severe drought and damaging flooding are occurring with greater frequency and have a severe impact on human health. Two specific aspects of climate change affecting allergic and other respiratory disorders are outlined: firstly, the consequences of extreme weather events and secondly, the change in distribution of airborne allergens that results from various climate change factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance H Katelaris
- Immunology and Allergy, Western Sydney University; Head of Unit, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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D’Amato G, Chong‐Neto HJ, Monge Ortega OP, Vitale C, Ansotegui I, Rosario N, Haahtela T, Galan C, Pawankar R, Murrieta‐Aguttes M, Cecchi L, Bergmann C, Ridolo E, Ramon G, Gonzalez Diaz S, D’Amato M, Annesi‐Maesano I. The effects of climate change on respiratory allergy and asthma induced by pollen and mold allergens. Allergy 2020; 75:2219-2228. [PMID: 32589303 DOI: 10.1111/all.14476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The impact of climate change on the environment, biosphere, and biodiversity has become more evident in the recent years. Human activities have increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and other greenhouse gases. Change in climate and the correlated global warming affects the quantity, intensity, and frequency of precipitation type as well as the frequency of extreme events such as heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, floods, and hurricanes. Respiratory health can be particularly affected by climate change, which contributes to the development of allergic respiratory diseases and asthma. Pollen and mold allergens are able to trigger the release of pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators that accelerate the onset the IgE-mediated sensitization and of allergy. Allergy to pollen and pollen season at its beginning, in duration and intensity are altered by climate change. Studies showed that plants exhibit enhanced photosynthesis and reproductive effects and produce more pollen as a response to high atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2 ). Mold proliferation is increased by floods and rainy storms are responsible for severe asthma. Pollen and mold allergy is generally used to evaluate the interrelation between air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases, such as rhinitis and asthma. Thunderstorms during pollen seasons can cause exacerbation of respiratory allergy and asthma in patients with hay fever. A similar phenomenon is observed for molds. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have positive health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D’Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Department of Chest Diseases High Specialty A. Cardarelli Hospital Napoli Italy
- Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases University on Naples Federico II Napoli Italy
| | | | | | - Carolina Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Salerno Baronissi Italy
| | - Ignacio Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology Hospital Quirónsalud Bizkaia Erandio Bilbao Spain
| | - Nelson Rosario
- Allergy and Immunology Division Federal University of Paraná Curitiba Brazil
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Carmen Galan
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology University of Cordoba Cordoba Spain
| | - Ruby Pawankar
- Nippon Medical School Department of Pediatrics Tokyo Japan
| | | | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- Department of SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology USL Toscana Centro Prato Prato Italy
| | - Christian Bergmann
- Arzt für Lungen‐ und Bronchialheilkunde Innere Medizin Allergologie Klinik für Dermatologie Venerologie und Allergologie Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Erminia Ridolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Parma Parma Italy
| | - German Ramon
- Instituto de Alergia e Inmunología del Sur Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Sandra Gonzalez Diaz
- Titular Centro Regional de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon San Nicolás de los Garza Mexico
| | - Maria D’Amato
- First Division of Pneumology High Speciality Hospital ‘V. Monaldi’ and University ‘Federico II’ Medical School Naples Napoli Italy
| | - Isabella Annesi‐Maesano
- Research Director at the French NIH (INSERM) and Responsible of the EPAR Department IPLESP INSERM and Sorbonne University Paris France
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[Combined effects of different environmental factors on health: air pollution, temperature, green spaces, pollen, and noise]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2020; 63:962-971. [PMID: 32661561 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-020-03186-9] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors affect the health and wellbeing of urban residents. However, they do not act individually on humans, but instead show potential synergistic or antagonistic effects. Questions that arise from this are: How does a combination of air pollutants with other environmental factors impact health? How well are these associations evidenced? What methods can we use to look at them? In this article, methodical approaches regarding the effects of a combination of various environmental factors are first described. Environmental factors are then examined, which together with different air pollutants, have an impact on human health such as ambient temperature, noise, and pollen as well as the effect of green spaces. Physical activity and nutrition are addressed regarding the attenuation of health effects from air pollution.While there is often clear evidence of health effects of single environmental stressors, there are still open questions in terms of their interaction. The research methods required for this still need to be further developed. The interrelationship between the different environmental factors make it clear that (intervention) measures for reducing single indicators are also interlinked. Regarding traffic, switching from passive to active transport (e.g., due to safe cycle paths and other measures) leads to less air pollutants, smaller increases in temperature in the long term, and at the same time improved health of the individual. As a result, sensible planning of the built environment has great potential to reduce environmental stressors and improve people's health and wellbeing.
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Ščevková J, Vašková Z, Sepšiová R, Dušička J, Kováč J. Relationship between Poaceae pollen and Phl p 5 allergen concentrations and the impact of weather variables and air pollutants on their levels in the atmosphere. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04421. [PMID: 32685736 PMCID: PMC7355991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The sensitization to grass pollen is a known problem in European countries. Phl p 5 is an important allergen recognized by the majority of grass sensitized individuals. In this study, we evaluated daily variation in airborne Poaceae pollen and Phl p 5 allergen concentrations to determine whether airborne pollen concentrations alone are sufficient to reflect the actual allergenic potential of the air. The relationships between the mentioned pollen and allergen concentrations and associated environmental variables were also examined. The airborne particles were collected during the Poaceae flowering season in Bratislava in 2019. Pollen sampling was performed using a Hirst-type sampler, while a cyclone sampler was used for the aeroallergen capturing. Allergenic molecules were quantified by ELISA assay. The associations between pollen and allergen concentrations showed that these two variables are positively correlated; however, the correlation was not significant. We observed the concurrent occurrence of airborne pollen and allergen peaks on the same day. Nevertheless, during some days of the pollen season, the allergen concentrations did not correspond to the airborne pollen values. Moreover, the days with low pollen concentration but high pollen potency and vice versa were observed. The effect of selected environmental variables on daily pollen and allergen concentrations was evaluated through Spearman's correlation analysis. Of all meteorological variables considered, air temperature, precipitation, and relative air humidity were significantly correlated with airborne pollen and/or allergen concentrations. The association with air temperature was positive, while the negative association was observed with precipitation and relative air humidity. Among the atmospheric pollutants, O3 and PM10 were significantly and positively associated with both pollen and allergen concentrations, whereas CO and PM2.5 were significantly and positively associated only with pollen concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ščevková
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Vašková
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Regina Sepšiová
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Genetics, Ilkovičova 6, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Dušička
- Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Kováč
- Comenius University, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Mlynská dolina, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Paschalidou AK, Psistaki K, Charalampopoulos A, Vokou D, Kassomenos P, Damialis A. Identifying patterns of airborne pollen distribution using a synoptic climatology approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136625. [PMID: 32018949 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of pollen release and dispersion in the atmosphere is of high importance, not only for getting an insight on the patterns of movement of these biological particles that are necessary for plants' reproduction, but also because exposure to airborne pollen is a major concern for respiratory allergies worldwide. In this work, a synoptic circulation-to-environment classification method was adopted to elucidate the relationship between distinct atmospheric patterns and pollen levels for the 11 most abundant but also allergenic taxa in Thessaloniki, Greece, for the 15-year period 1987-2001. It was found that the NW1 depressional weather type is associated with the "low winter pollen season" and high levels of pollen from Carpinus spp., Corylus spp., Cupressaceae, Platanus spp., Pinaceae, Quercus spp. and Urticaceae. In contrast, the SW1 cyclonic type is linked to the "high spring-summer pollen season" and high levels of pollen from Oleaceae and Urticaceae. On the other hand, anticyclonic weather is associated with the "summer-autumn pollen season" and high levels of Poaceae and Chenopodiaceae pollen in the atmosphere. Regional transport of Alnus pollen is linked to a strong high-pressure system centered over Italy, giving light NE winds over northern Greece. These findings shed light to the synoptic climatology of airborne pollen in Thessaloniki and could feed early-warning systems for alerting vulnerable groups of the allergic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia K Paschalidou
- Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Psistaki
- Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | | | - Despoina Vokou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pavlos Kassomenos
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Meteorology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Damialis
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, UNIKA-T, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Augsburg, Germany.
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Besancenot JP, Sindt C, Thibaudon M. Pollen et changement climatique. Bouleau et graminées en France métropolitaine. REVUE FRANCAISE D ALLERGOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reval.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Analysis of Pollen Allergens in Lily by Transcriptome and Proteome Data. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235892. [PMID: 31771269 PMCID: PMC6929097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The lily (Lilium spp.) anther contains a lot of pollen. It is not known if lily pollen contains allergens, and therefore screening pollen allergy-related proteins and genes is necessary. The pollen development period of lily 'Siberia' was determined by microscope observation. Early mononuclear microspores and mature pollens were used as sequencing materials. The analysis of the pollen transcriptome identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), e.g., Profilin, Phl p 7 (Polcalcin), Ole e 1, and Phl p 11, which are associated with pollen allergens. The proteome analysis positively verified a significant increase in pollen allergenic protein content. The expression levels of LoProfiilin and LoPolcalcin, annotated as allergen proteins, gradually increased in mature pollen. LoProfiilin and LoPolcalcin were cloned and their open reading frame lengths were 396 bp and 246 bp, which encoded 131 and 81 amino acids, respectively. Amino acid sequence and structure alignment indicated that the protein sequences of LoProfilin and LoPolcalcin were highly conserved. Subcellular localization analysis showed that LoProfilin protein was localized in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus. LoProfilin and LoPolcalcin were highly expressed in mature pollen at the transcriptional and protein levels. A tertiary structure prediction analysis identified LoProfilin and LoPolcalcin as potential allergens in lily pollen.
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Poole JA, Barnes CS, Demain JG, Bernstein JA, Padukudru MA, Sheehan WJ, Fogelbach GG, Wedner J, Codina R, Levetin E, Cohn JR, Kagen S, Portnoy JM, Nel AE. Impact of weather and climate change with indoor and outdoor air quality in asthma: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Environmental Exposure and Respiratory Health Committee. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 143:1702-1710. [PMID: 30826366 PMCID: PMC10907958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Weather and climate change are constant and ever-changing processes that affect allergy and asthma. The purpose of this report is to provide information since the last climate change review with a focus on asthmatic disease. PubMed and Internet searches for topics included climate and weather change, air pollution, particulates, greenhouse gasses, traffic, insect habitat, and mitigation in addition to references contributed by the individual authors. Changes in patterns of outdoor aeroallergens caused by increasing temperatures and amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are major factors linked to increased duration of pollen seasons, increased pollen production, and possibly increased allergenicity of pollen. Indoor air pollution threats anticipated from climate changes include microbial and mold growth secondary to flooding, resulting in displacement of persons and need for respiratory protection of exposed workers. Air pollution from indoor burning of mosquito repellants is a potential anticipatory result of an increase in habitat regions. Air pollution from fossil fuel burning and traffic-related emissions can alter respiratory defense mechanisms and work synergistically with specific allergens to enhance immunogenicity to worsen asthma in susceptible subjects. Community efforts can significantly reduce air pollution, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emission and improving air quality. The allergist's approach to weather pattern changes should be integrated and anticipatory to protect at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Poole
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Allergy Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.
| | - Charles S Barnes
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Jeffrey G Demain
- Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center of Alaska, the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, and the WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Division of Immunology, Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mahesh A Padukudru
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSSAHER, Mysore, India
| | - William J Sheehan
- Division of Allergy, Children's National Medicine Center, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | | | - James Wedner
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, John T. Milliken Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Mo
| | - Rosa Codina
- Allergen Science & Consulting, Lenoir, NC; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Fla
| | - Estelle Levetin
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla
| | - John R Cohn
- Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Steve Kagen
- Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis
| | - Jay M Portnoy
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Andre E Nel
- University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine and California NanoSystems Institute, Los Angeles, Calif
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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: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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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Abstract
This article on exposome and asthma focuses on the interaction of patients and their environments in various parts of their growth, development, and stages of life. Indoor and outdoor environments play a role in pathogenesis via levels and duration of exposure, with genetic susceptibility as a crucial factor that alters the initiation and trajectory of common conditions such as asthma. Knowledge of environmental exposures globally and changes that are occurring is necessary to function effectively as medical professionals and health advocates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahila Subramanian
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, CWRU School of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A90, Cleveland, OH 4419, USA
| | - Sumita B Khatri
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, CWRU School of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A90, Cleveland, OH 4419, USA.
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Sicard P, Agathokleous E, Araminiene V, Carrari E, Hoshika Y, De Marco A, Paoletti E. Should we see urban trees as effective solutions to reduce increasing ozone levels in cities? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:163-176. [PMID: 30172122 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution is considered as the most serious environmental problem for human health, associated with some million deaths worldwide per year. Cities have to cope with the challenges due to poor air quality impacting human health and citizen well-being. According to an analysis in the framework of this study, the annual mean concentrations of tropospheric ozone (O3) have been increasing by on average 0.16 ppb year-1 in cities across the globe over the time period 1995-2014. Green urban infrastructure can improve air quality by removing O3. To efficiently reduce O3 in cities, it is important to define suitable urban forest management, including proper species selection, with focus on the removal ability of O3 and other air pollutants, biogenic emission rates, allergenic effects and maintenance requirements. This study reanalyzes the literature to i) quantify O3 removal by urban vegetation categorized into trees/shrubs and green roofs; ii) rank 95 urban plant species based on the ability to maximize air quality and minimize disservices, and iii) provide novel insights on the management of urban green spaces to maximize urban air quality. Trees showed higher O3 removal capacity (3.4 g m-2 year-1 on average) than green roofs (2.9 g m-2 year-1 as average removal rate), with lower installation and maintenance costs (around 10 times). To overcome present gaps and uncertainties, a novel Species-specific Air Quality Index (S-AQI) of suitability to air quality improvement is proposed for tree/shrub species. We recommend city planners to select species with an S-AQI>8, i.e. with high O3 removal capacity, O3-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant to drought and non-allergenic (e.g. Acer sp., Carpinus sp., Larix decidua, Prunus sp.). Green roofs can be used to supplement urban trees in improving air quality in cities. Urban vegetation, as a cost-effective and nature-based approach, aids in meeting clean air standards and should be taken into account by policy-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- Hokkaido Research Centre, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Sapporo, Japan; Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Valda Araminiene
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Forestry, Girionys, Lithuania
| | - Elisa Carrari
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra De Marco
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Paoletti
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Kim KR, Oh JW, Woo SY, Seo YA, Choi YJ, Kim HS, Lee WY, Kim BJ. Does the increase in ambient CO 2 concentration elevate allergy risks posed by oak pollen? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:1587-1594. [PMID: 29748910 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-1558-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oak pollen is a major respiratory allergen in Korea, and the distribution of oak trees is expected to increase by ecological succession and climate change. One of the drivers of climate change is increasing CO2, which is also known to amplify the allergy risk of weed pollen by inducing elevated allergenic protein content. However, the impact of CO2 concentration on tree pollen is not clearly understood due to the experimental difficulties in carrying out extended CO2 treatment. To study the response of pollen production of sawtooth oak trees (Quercus acutissima) to elevated levels of ambient CO2, three open-top chambers at the National Institute of Forest Science in Suwon, Korea were utilized with daytime (8 am-6 pm) CO2 concentrations of ambient (× 1.0, ~ 400 ppm), × 1.4 (~ 560 ppm), and × 1.8 (~ 720 ppm) treatments. Each chamber had three sawtooth oak trees planted in September 2009. One or two trees per chamber matured to bloom in 2016. Five to six catkins were selected per tree and polyethylene bags were attached to collect pollen grains. The total number of catkins per tree was counted and the number and weight of pollen grains per catkin were measured. Oak allergen-Que a 1 (Allergon Co., Uppsala, Sweden)-was extracted and purified to make an ELISA kit by which the antigen levels in the pollen samples were quantified. Total pollen counts per tree of the × 1.4 and × 1.8 treatments showed significant increase of 353 and 1299%, respectively, from the × 1.0 treatment (p < 0.001). Allergenic protein contents at the × 1.4 and × 1.8 treatments also showed significant increase of 12 and 11%, respectively (p = 0.011). The × 1.8 treatment induced significant difference from the × 1.0 treatment in terms of pollen production and allergenic protein content, whereas the × 1.4 treatment showed mixed significance. In summary, the oak trees under the elevated CO2 levels, which are expected in the changing climate, produced significantly higher amount of pollen and allergenic protein than under the present air conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Rang Kim
- Applied Meteorology Research Division, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, 33, Seohobuk-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 63568, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Won Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Young Woo
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Am Seo
- Applied Meteorology Research Division, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, 33, Seohobuk-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 63568, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Kim
- Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Wi Young Lee
- Department of Forest Genetic Resources, National Institute of Forest Sciences, 39 Onjeong-ro, Suwon, 16631, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Jo Kim
- Applied Meteorology Research Division, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, 33, Seohobuk-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 63568, Republic of Korea
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50
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Thien F, Beggs PJ, Csutoros D, Darvall J, Hew M, Davies JM, Bardin PG, Bannister T, Barnes S, Bellomo R, Byrne T, Casamento A, Conron M, Cross A, Crosswell A, Douglass JA, Durie M, Dyett J, Ebert E, Erbas B, French C, Gelbart B, Gillman A, Harun NS, Huete A, Irving L, Karalapillai D, Ku D, Lachapelle P, Langton D, Lee J, Looker C, MacIsaac C, McCaffrey J, McDonald CF, McGain F, Newbigin E, O'Hehir R, Pilcher D, Prasad S, Rangamuwa K, Ruane L, Sarode V, Silver JD, Southcott AM, Subramaniam A, Suphioglu C, Susanto NH, Sutherland MF, Taori G, Taylor P, Torre P, Vetro J, Wigmore G, Young AC, Guest C. The Melbourne epidemic thunderstorm asthma event 2016: an investigation of environmental triggers, effect on health services, and patient risk factors. Lancet Planet Health 2018; 2:e255-e263. [PMID: 29880157 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(18)30120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A multidisciplinary collaboration investigated the world's largest, most catastrophic epidemic thunderstorm asthma event that took place in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov 21, 2016, to inform mechanisms and preventive strategies. METHODS Meteorological and airborne pollen data, satellite-derived vegetation index, ambulance callouts, emergency department presentations, and data on hospital admissions for Nov 21, 2016, as well as leading up to and following the event were collected between Nov 21, 2016, and March 31, 2017, and analysed. We contacted patients who presented during the epidemic thunderstorm asthma event at eight metropolitan health services (each including up to three hospitals) via telephone questionnaire to determine patient characteristics, and investigated outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. FINDINGS Grass pollen concentrations on Nov 21, 2016, were extremely high (>100 grains/m3). At 1800 AEDT, a gust front crossed Melbourne, plunging temperatures 10°C, raising humidity above 70%, and concentrating particulate matter. Within 30 h, there were 3365 (672%) excess respiratory-related presentations to emergency departments, and 476 (992%) excess asthma-related admissions to hospital, especially individuals of Indian or Sri Lankan birth (10% vs 1%, p<0·0001) and south-east Asian birth (8% vs 1%, p<0·0001) compared with previous 3 years. Questionnaire data from 1435 (64%) of 2248 emergency department presentations showed a mean age of 32·0 years (SD 18·6), 56% of whom were male. Only 28% had current doctor-diagnosed asthma. 39% of the presentations were of Asian or Indian ethnicity (25% of the Melbourne population were of this ethnicity according to the 2016 census, relative risk [RR] 1·93, 95% CI 1·74-2·15, p <0·0001). Of ten individuals who died, six were Asian or Indian (RR 4·54, 95% CI 1·28-16·09; p=0·01). 35 individuals were admitted to an intensive care unit, all had asthma, 12 took inhaled preventers, and five died. INTERPRETATION Convergent environmental factors triggered a thunderstorm asthma epidemic of unprecedented magnitude, tempo, and geographical range and severity on Nov 21, 2016, creating a new benchmark for emergency and health service escalation. Asian or Indian ethnicity and current doctor-diagnosed asthma portended life-threatening exacerbations such as those requiring admission to an ICU. Overall, the findings provide important public health lessons applicable to future event forecasting, health care response coordination, protection of at-risk populations, and medical management of epidemic thunderstorm asthma. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Thien
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | | - Danny Csutoros
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jai Darvall
- Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Philip G Bardin
- Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Rinaldo Bellomo
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jo A Douglass
- Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - John Dyett
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Ben Gelbart
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Alfredo Huete
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David Ku
- Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Joy Lee
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clare Looker
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Christine F McDonald
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Robyn O'Hehir
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Pilcher
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation (CORE), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Torre
- Environmental Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Alan C Young
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles Guest
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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