Abstract: Abstract Aerobiology studies biological particles present in the air of both indoor and outdoor environments. In the past few years, the application of molecular techniques has considerably improved the knowledge of organismal diversity in air samples and highlighted its ecological and clinical importance. DNA metabarcoding in particular has been recently applied worldwide to describe the biological composition of airborne bacteria, fungi and plants. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of those aerobiology studies which, in the past few years, have applied DNA metabarcoding techniques. We focus specifically on researches including plants and fungi and review the multiplicity of experimental plans, sampling procedures, laboratory processing methods, the choice of the DNA barcode(s), the selection of sequencing platforms and bioinformatics pipelines for the comparability of data obtained from multiple origins. PubDate: 2019-03-19
Abstract: Abstract Although considered a golden standard in aerobiology, continuous long-term sampling of bioaerosols is resource demanding. The aim of this study was to explore whether, if needed, intermittent sampling could replace the continuous one without major loss of information. Hourly pollen concentrations obtained by averaging 56, 28, 14 and 7 equidistantly distributed 1.07-min concentrations of Ambrosia airborne pollen were compared. The analysis revealed that majority of information on trends and magnitude in hourly concentrations is captured even if the sampling is not continuous. The correlations were high for all intermittent sampling arrangements, but absolute percentage error increased with the decrease in samples used for calculating hourly concentration. PubDate: 2019-03-15
Abstract: Abstract As part of the overall management of a Hospital, the Hygiene Unit has specific tasks including the improvement in the levels of hospital safety by air quality monitoring in hospital environments to control the sources of infection and assessing the healthiness of hospital facilities. Operating theaters (OTs) and cleanrooms air quality control can represent a focal point considering that environmental contamination depends on not only factors such as characteristics and level of maintenance of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC), but it also depends on the number of people present, their behavioral habits, sanitation and disinfection procedures adopted. Several studies demonstrate a high variability in microbial air contamination in different OTs with similar HVAC, suggesting the need for achieving strict control over the factors affecting air quality. The control of air contamination, as an indicator of the quality care provided, therefore sets precise objectives, accuracy from a scientific point of view including planning, analysis and interpretation of results to propose corrective actions. However, there are no generally accepted standards for sampling nor threshold values on microbial air contamination. Aerobiology skills can improve the approach to involved issues. The monitoring plan of air quality assessment at the Parma University Hospital, by the Laboratory of Aerobiology, involves approximately 80 environments equipped with turbulent or mixed air flow. This paper describes the practical approach to air contamination control of the Hospital Hygiene Department at the Parma University Hospital as an example of how Health Departments can improve safety standards for patients and operators. PubDate: 2019-03-13
Abstract: Abstract In the last decades, significant progresses have been reached in the management of atopic diseases in childhood. Several approaches have been proposed in patients affected by moderate-to-severe atopic diseases. Severe asthma and atopic dermatitis are poorly known with different underlying phenotypes and endotypes, and they may require further cares with biological therapies. Omalizumab, anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is effective and safe in patients with atopic diseases, especially uncontrolled asthma and chronic urticaria. Anti-IL-5 drugs including mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab are effective in resistant eosinophilic asthma. In patients with uncontrolled atopic dermatitis, dupilumab is of benefit. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) represents the only treatment attaining immunologic tolerance and sustaining improvement in symptoms. Both subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapies are characterized by a short-term and a long-term efficacy, as demonstrated by a reduced immunologic reactivity after discontinuation. Component-resolved diagnosis has been found an essential diagnostic tool potentially able to increase the efficacy of AIT in polysensitized children, establishing a precise AIT prescription for patient genuinely sensitized to allergens. The future care of allergic diseases in childhood requires an individualized approach to achieve a patient-tailored therapy for difficult-to-treat atopic diseases. PubDate: 2019-03-12
Abstract: Abstract Airborne pollen triggers immune cells to release inflammatory chemical mediators, inducing respiratory conditions among susceptible individuals. This present study aimed at investigating the monthly depositional rate of pollen and fern spores with the aid of a modified Tauber pollen sampler, for a period of 1 year, examining airborne pollen–vegetation relationships and allergenic potentials of dominant airborne pollen types at selected study sites in Osun and Ogun states, South-western Nigeria. This involved collection, acetolysis and microscopy of residual solutions. Plants within the immediate vegetation of these sites were enumerated. Crude protein contents were extracted from pollen of Tridax procumbens L. (dominant in Osun state) and Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) Mull. Arg. (dominant in Osun and Ogun states), used in Mus musculus sensitization. Blood samples were obtained from the pre-orbital vein of M. musculus L., processed for haematological (differential and total white blood cell counts) and serological studies. ELISA was employed in measuring the levels of serological parameters: IgE and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-5 and IL-13). Statistical significance (P < .05) was tested in the correlation between the levels of haematological and serological parameters elicited by each test group, differences between the levels of haematological and serological parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at varied sensitization periods. In the results obtained, airborne pollen types of A. cordifolia, T. procumbens, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and Poaceae were dominant in Osun state; A. cordifolia, Senna sp. and Poaceae were dominant in Ogun state. Spores of Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott, Pteris sp. and a trilete fern were also recovered. Some pollen types were produced by local plants at the study sites. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were the identified differential white blood cells. Statistical significance was observed in the correlation between the levels of certain haematological and serological parameters elicited by the test groups, differences between the levels of certain haematological and serological parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at some sensitization periods. Hair loss (alopecia) was observed on the skin of a M. musculus in the A. cordifolia test group. This study has identified potential pollen allergens at the study sites; hence, their allergenicity should be further conducted on humans. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract This study aimed at investigating the main features of the Poaceae pollen season and the relation to meteorological parameters as well as the production of a forecasting model. Pollen data were recorded in Moscow, Russia, during 1994–2016 (except 1997 and 1998). Pollen data were collected by volumetric spore trap. Correlation analysis was used to study relationships between various parameters of pollen seasons. Simple linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate trends over time; multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to describe fluctuations in the start date and in seasonal pollen integral (SPIn) as a function of monthly and cumulative climatic parameters. The forecasting model for the start date predicts 72% variability. The mean temperature in April and May and mean humidity in May are the main variables for forecasting the start of the Poaceae pollen season. The SPIn cannot be predicted with pre-seasonal temperature, humidity or rainfall. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract The analysis of profilin Ole e 2 concentration and its relationship with pollen concentration was carried out in the atmosphere of León (located in north-western of Spain) during 3 years. Moreover, we have studied the influence of some atmospheric pollutants and climatic parameters using Spearman rank correlation and principal components analysis. As a result, the presence in the atmosphere of Ole e 2 is demonstrated. We can observe that in April and until mid-May, the peaks of Ole e 2 correspond to the high concentrations of pollen from various tree plants, such as Quercus, Populus, Betula, Cupressaceae. From this date until the middle of June, where the presence of this profilin begins to be scarce in the air, the concentration of Ole e 2 is linked to herbaceous plants: Rumex, Plantago and species of the family Poaceae. Statistical analysis showed that the factors of temperature get influenced the most in the presence of Ole e 2 in the atmosphere, followed by the relative humidity and precipitation. In our study, there was no clear correlation with atmospheric pollutants; however, an increase in NO2 and SO2 causes a decrease in profilin in the atmosphere. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we expose a preliminary study of the airborne fungal spore content in the atmosphere of Salamanca City including a fungal spore calendar. Sampling was carried out between February 2014 and February 2016, and along these 2 years of monitoring Cladosporium was the most abundant type followed by Aspergillus/Penicillium, both present from January to December. The peaks of diversity and abundance were established in two well-defined seasons focused on autumn (especially basidiomycota) and late spring. Others, like Cladosporium and Alternaria, called the dry spore types, had their maximum during summer. According to the intradiurnal pattern, the results were very similar for the spore types, except for Agaricus, Coprinus and Periconia that showed a nocturnal release pattern. The meteorological factors that had a clearly influence on the spore distribution were temperature, in the case of the dry spore types, and relative humidity in the case of wet air spores like Agaricus and Coprinus both basidiomycetes. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract In the last years, pollen-related respiratory allergies have increased worldwide. In the case of Cupressaceae pollen, allergy symptoms appearing during the winter are often confused with generic respiratory diseases such as the common cold, influenza syndrome, among others. The aim of our study was to monitor the atmospheric of Cupressaceae pollen in the city of Porto, investigate its diurnal variation, as well as find the meteorological factors influencing its atmospheric concentration. Airborne pollen sampling was performed using a 7-day Hirst-type volumetric spore trap for 5 years (2013–2017). Cupressaceae main pollen season, interannual and diurnal variations, as well as correlations with the meteorological parameters were determined. During the study period, 2015 was the year that registered the highest annual pollen concentration, while 2016 presented the lowest. Cupressaceae pollen season occurred during the winter, being February the month with the highest concentration. The diurnal distribution pattern presents a well-defined peak concentration in the morning hours (9 a.m.–12 a.m.), which decays abruptly in the early afternoon. Finally, airborne pollen concentration and meteorological factors presented significant correlations, with temperature being the most influent variable. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Biological soil crusts (BSCs) exist commonly on soil surfaces in many arid and semiarid areas, and disturbed soil surfaces in more mesic environments. BSCs perform many essential ecological functions. Substantial resources have been invested trying to restore or replace BSCs that have been damaged by anthropogenic disturbances, with various levels of success. The nexus of sciences related to BSC establishment and restoration, and to aerobiology suggests that crusts are established and re-established naturally via commonly occurring ecological processes. Formation of BSCs can be accelerated by implementing traditional or novel land rehabilitation techniques that create near-surface turbulence that facilitates the deposition of airborne BSC organisms. Sexual and asexual propagules of BSC organisms are found naturally in the atmosphere and are transported up to very long distances between continents and hemispheres. Whether restoration of BSCs occurs naturally in this fashion, or through efforts to produce and disseminate artificial inoculants, success is ultimately moderated and governed by the timing and frequency of adequate precipitation relative to the arrival of viable propagules on suitable substrates at appropriate times of year. For the greatest ecological and economic benefit, we suggest that efforts should focus on minimizing the scope and scale of unnecessary anthropogenic disturbance to BSC communities. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Airborne mycofloral spores are important part of the fungal inocula responsible for various infections, decays and allergies in the environment. Unfortunately, the diversity, abundance and rhythm of seasonal occurrence are poorly known and studied in this part of the tropics. The aims of this study were to ascertain the airborne fungal spore diversity and their monthly and seasonal abundance at the different locations. The influence of some meteorological factors on 18 most abundant and fungal spore genera was under studied. The study was conducted in Enugu North using modified Tauber Traps at locations differing in urbanization for a period of 12 months. The results showed that 49 airborne fungal spore genera were identified which varied in abundance across the seasons, months and locations. The highest airborne fungal spore abundance and diversity were recorded during the rainy season, and the majority of the airborne spore genera had their peak frequencies in October, July and March. The highest spore abundance was recorded in Adani, but majority of the spore diversity had their maximum frequency of occurrence at Enugu Ezike and Adani. High fungal spore diversity and abundance were recorded more in higher-altitude locations, especially the most frequent and abundant airborne fungal spore genera such as Nigrospora, Endophragmiella, Ustilago, Botryodiplodia, Pithomyces and Venturia. Statistically, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the abundance of airborne fungal spores at both the locations and months. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that the abundance of spore genera of Cladosporium, Alternaria, Endophragmiella, Torula, Uromyces and Venturia had significant (p < 0.05) correlation relationship with meteorological factors. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract The preservation of decorated caves is a great challenge that has been reinforced by the microbial crisis occurring at emblematic sites such as the Lascaux and Altamira caves. To date, little is known about the microbial behavior of caves. One difficulty is that the term “cave” covers a wide variety of sites and structures. Past studies concentrated on caves with microbial disorders and were generally carried out in a time frame that was too short to gain an adequate picture of healthy microbial behaviors, the sine qua non of detecting potential imbalance. The aim of this study was to determine whether models of aerobiological behavior could be identified in several decorated caves. We monitored aerial rates of fungi and bacteria in five decorated caves of the Gard department (France) for periods of 2 years or more. A model behavior was identified in each cave. These models were cave dependent and were also season dependent in some caves. Following our fungal results, we suggest separating the caves into two groups. The caves which were strongly affected by the external environment throughout their entire length are the “non-self-purifying caves”. The caves which were only affected by external environment at the entrance are the “self-purifying caves”. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Airborne fungal spores are well documented to trigger respiratory allergy. The present study provides baseline information on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of aerospores for the first time in a typical urban area of Kolkata metropolis, India. An aeromonitoring was performed by Burkard volumetric 7-day sampler for two consecutive years (August 2012–July 2014). Total concentration, seasonal variations and intradiurnal periodicities of fungal spores were estimated. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed using various weather parameters. The prevalence of fungal spore allergy was investigated among patients reporting to the Department of Allergy and Asthma, Mediland Diagnostics, Kolkata. A retrospective review of patients was conducted with a standard questionnaire and performing skin prick test with 20 fungal extracts. Thirty-eight fungal genera were identified with the highest spore concentration in August. Relative humidity and rainfall were found to be positively correlated with spore concentration. A comparatively higher frequency of sufferers was observed for males and 15–35-year age group. Patients with an atopic family history and insidious onset of symptoms were prone to suffer more, and bronchial asthma was diagnosed in most. Out of 742 patients, 592 patients noticed to have positive skin reactivity toward one or more fungal extracts. Aspergillus fumigatus followed by Curvularia pallescens and Fusarium lateritium elicited maximum sensitization. Each of these genera also represented a considerable fraction of the total aeromycota, thereby indicating potential risk to the sensitized individuals. Further serological analysis along with the identification of fungal allergens would pave the way of immunotherapy. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract There is a common belief that contact with nature provides many benefits to humans. Numerous studies on urban vegetation confirm this belief, but the negative effects of excessive exposure to allergenic pollen in urban parks are being more frequently identified. This problem was studied in detail in areas with warm temperate climate conditions. A study of allergenic flora was conducted in 3 types of urban parks: a downtown park, a peripheral park, and a landscape-like park. A total of 90 woody plant species were identified, among which Picea pungens, Tilia cordata, Acer pesudoplatanus, Acer platanoides, Quercus rubra, and Betula pendula were found most frequently. Among the herbaceous plants, Lolium perenne, Poa annua, Achillea millefolium, and Potentilla anserina were predominant. The allergenicity level of these parks was described using an allergenicity index. This study showed that under a warm temperate climate the potential harmful impacts of parks are determined by the number of birches and oaks and their crown volumes, as well as by the total tree canopy. The volume of turf covered with grass species as well as the number of maple and ash trees and their crown volumes are of minor importance. Unlike the downtown parks, the landscape-like park poses the lowest risk to sensitive people. Research on parks that is focused on allergenic flora and allergenic pollen production should be used in designing new parks and in the revitalization of old parks. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Airborne Staphylococcus aureus is associated with human infections, thereby requiring exposure monitoring for risk assessment. To secure data accuracy, changes in biological properties of S. aureus during sampling and sample storage should be minimized. This study assessed preservation efficiency (PE) of bioaerosol sampling methods by spiking S. aureus in deionized water (DW), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Tween mixture (TM) and loading cell suspensions in AGI-30 or BioSampler, followed by sampling with HEPA-filtered air. S. aureus bioaerosols were also sampled and stored up to 3 and 29 days to assess changes in culturable and viable cell counts, respectively. Cell viability was determined based on membrane integrity. Results show BioSampler preserved S. aureus better than AGI-30 (P < 0.05), particular with TM in which 96–97% and 68–72% of cells remained culturable and viable, respectively, after sampling for 30–60 min. The highest PE for AGI-30 was observed in DW, i.e., 86–93% and 39–62%, respectively, for culturable and viable cells. PBS presented the least efficiency among fluids to preserve viable cells in both samplers (P < 0.05). Samples stored at 5 °C showed less changes in viable and culturable cell counts over time than those at 25 °C. Moreover, storage at 5 °C impacted differently on cell culturability and viability, evident by slightly decreased culturable counts but significantly increased viable counts in both TM and DW (P < 0.05). This suggests S. aureus at 5 °C kept culturability while restored membrane integrity. Overall, S. aureus is preferable to be collected in TM by BioSampler and stored at 5 °C. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Aerobiological studies mostly apply linear models when analysing long-term changes in pollen concentrations. There is some evidence that linear models are not fully suitable for describing these changes in recent decades since pollen concentrations of some species have increased until 1990 and decreased subsequently. In order to describe the behaviour of annual pollen concentrations (a factor contributing to the incidence of allergies) in a more flexible way, we made use of Bayesian statistics that describe discontinuities (i.e. change points) and quantify the direction and speed of changes. We examined long-term aerobiological pollen data of Betula spp. (birch), Corylus spp. (hazel) and Poaceae (grasses) from six stations in Switzerland (Basel, Buchs, Davos, Münsterlingen, Neuchâtel and Zurich) for the period 1985–2014. For most of the analysed stations and species, the one change point model was considered as the best model. The only exceptions were Corylus pollen time series recorded at Neuchâtel and Zurich that could be better described with the linear model. The results indicated that all pollen records of Corylus were characterized by increased pollen concentrations in recent years. For Betula pollen concentrations, four sites were associated with recent decreases; increases were only found for Buchs and Münsterlingen. Regarding Poaceae pollen, half of the stations (N = 3) were linked to decreases. Trends of linear regressions differed considerably in magnitude or even differed in sign compared to the Bayesian results. Our results indicate that the choice of the statistical method is of major importance when interpreting aerobiological data. Further studies should focus on the reasons (climate, land use changes, etc.) responsible for changes in atmospheric pollen loads in detail. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Bioaerosols are major air pollutants commonly found both indoors and outdoors. High exposure levels may result in various adverse health outcomes. Laboratories, which are indoor environments carefully designed for specific purposes, may contain high levels of bioaerosols, which may threaten worker’s health, and contaminate experimental results. This study investigated the levels of bioaerosols (i.e., culturable fungi and bacteria, and fungal spores) in laboratories in the Bangkok metropolitan area. Air samples were collected from 14 Class I and one Class II laboratories by using a single-stage impactor and a VersaTrap spore trap cassette. Colonies were counted after 72 h and 48 h of incubation for culturable fungi and bacteria, respectively. Culturable fungi and fungal spores were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Associations between bioaerosols and indoor air parameters and laboratory characteristics were evaluated. The concentrations (mean ± SD) of culturable bacteria, culturable fungi, and fungal spores were 87.0 ± 97.8 CFU/m3, 294.9 ± 376.1 CFU/m3, and 771.8 ± 545.3 spores/m3, respectively. Aspergillus/Penicillium, ascospores, and Cladosporium were common fungal spore taxa in the laboratories. Culturable fungi significantly increased with the number of staff and visible molds, whereas water leaks and culturable fungi significantly increased fungal spore concentrations. Culturable bacteria were positively associated with the numbers of trash bins and − 80 °C freezers. Although bioaerosol concentrations were considerably lower in the studied laboratories, proper indoor air management is still suggested in order to reduce emissions and exposure. This can help workers avoid adverse health outcomes and reduce the chance of experimental contamination. PubDate: 2019-03-01
Abstract: Abstract Ambrosia, specifically Ambrosia artemisiifolia, are known throughout the world as invasive, allergenic and noxious weeds. This research leads to the first map of the spread of Ambrosia species in Israel and describes the risk associated with their distribution to the public health. Six Ambrosia species were identified in Israel. There is one invasive species, A. confertiflora DC (Burr ragweed), which is most abundant in central Israel. There are three naturalized species: A. tenuifolia Spreng (Lacy ragweed) which is found in several locations; A. psilostachya DC (Cuman ragweed) and A. grayi (woolly leaf bur ragweed), which are restricted to a single location each. There are two casual species: A. artemisiifolia L. (short ragweed, common ragweed) and A. trifida L. (Giant ragweed). There are pronounced and clear differences between the species in their life cycle, morphology and phenology, which may explain the level of invasion of each one in Israel. The causes of the invasion are mainly anthropogenic. Many populations of Ambrosia are found near fishponds and animal feed centers, indicating that ragweed seeds feasibly arrived to Israel in grain shipments. Human sensitization to local pollen extracts of A. confertiflora and A. tenuifolia was studied by skin test reaction and compared with commercial extracts of A. artemisiifolia and A. trifida. Patient’s response was three times stronger in A. confertiflora with respect to the other three species. The rapid dissemination of A. confertiflora, the manner in which its pollen is dispersed and its allergenic potential indicate risks to public health. PubDate: 2019-03-01
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