Aerobiologia最新文献

This note introduces the newly developed MeteoSwiss operational pollen classification model based on digital holography and induced fluorescence measurements. A targeted selection of curated training datasets together with a revised model architecture result in considerable improvements compared to previous operational model. The new classification model, which has been trained specifically for Switzerland, is provided openly for use in a standard format for machine learning interoperability. In addition to the description of the new classification model, we motivate the need for this development by presenting the most significant issue met during the first 5 years of operation of the Swiss automatic pollen monitoring network.

The sensitization to prevalent environmental aeroallergens is pivotal in the etiology and intensity of respiratory allergic diseases, particularly bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR). The assessment of aeroallergen sensitization is essential for clinicians to refine therapeutic approaches. Skin prick testing (SPT) is recognized as a reliable diagnostic tool for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic disorders, yet; however, the allergen sensitivity profile in Yemen remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess the sensitization profiles to aeroallergens in patients with respiratory allergic diseases in Sana'a City, Yemen. This cross-sectional study, involving 315 patients with respiratory allergic diseases, was conducted between February and May 2020 in Sana’a City, Yemen. The patients were classified based on demographic and clinical diagnosis. The study excluded individuals with a history of drug use, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents, and immunosuppressants, which could interfere with active infections, allergic skin conditions, pregnancy, or skin tests. The SPT was conducted using 20 different types of environmental aeroallergen extracts. Data were examined with SPSS version 23.0, where descriptive statistics for study variables were computed and relevant significance tests were executed to ascertain statistical relevance. The study of 315 patients included 222 (70.5%) males and 93 (29.5%) females, with a median age of 41 years. The prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases was 55.9% for AR and 44.1% for BA. The overall prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens was 63.5%. Among the cohort, 33.7% exhibited monosensitization to a single aeroallergen, whereas 29.8% demonstrated sensitization to multiple aeroallergens. The predominant aeroallergens sensitization included weeds (41.1%), house dust mites (HDM) (23.8%), and animal dander (17.5%). The most common aeroallergens were Salsola kali at 10.5%, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus) at 10.2%, and Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) at 9.8. Aeroallergen sensitization was significantly more prevalent in patients with AR than in those with BA, with notable increases in sensitization rates for weeds and HDM aeroallergens (p˃ 0.05), and a significant rise in sensitization to date palm allergen (Phoenix dactylifera) in AR compared to BA (p = 0.017). The study findings indicate a significant prevalence of sensitization to various aeroallergens in individuals with AR and BA. Salsola kali, D. pteronyssinus, and D. farinae were identified as the most common aeroallergens in study patients.

Influenza seasonality is influenced by environmental and ecological conditions as well as evolutionary processes shaping the transmission potential of airborne Influenza A virus (IAV) particles and subsequent infectious disease. Considering fluctuating environmental conditions with absolute humidity as a key driver, we analyzed environmental effects on the infection dynamic in Germany during the influenza seasons between 2010 and 2018. Despite the fact that Germany is a comparably homogenous country with regard to socio-economical, and environmental properties, influenza seasons differed significantly between individual German counties and cities, with a clear gradient in incidence and intensity between the Southeast and Northwest. Thus, the transmission of IAV influenced by slight differences in the predominant weather conditions throughout Germany, emphasizing the importance of air temperature and absolute humidity for airborne flu virus transmission.

Rice diseases in Brunei Darussalam have not been properly documented. Thus, this study compiled all the types of rice diseases that were documented by the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood (DoAA) in Brunei from 1984 until 2021. This study also conducted brief rice disease inspections at the Wasan paddy field in 2022 and 2023 (4.7884° N, 114.8221° E). Bioaerosol samples were collected using a Hirst-type volumetric sampler throughout the growing season of paddy. The most frequently documented rice diseases in Brunei were leaf spot (frequency of detection 23%), grain discolouration (19%), rice blast (17%), and sheath blight (14%). During disease inspections, we found 15 different types of rice diseases observed including bacterial blight, bacterial streak, brown spot, false smut, grain discolouration, leaf scald, leaf spot, narrow brown spot, neck blast, panicle blast, rice blast, sheath blight, sheath rot, stem rot, and tungro virus. We identified 19 paddy pathogens (16 fungi and 3 bacteria) using morphological characterization and metabarcoding analysis in bioaerosol samples, where these pathogens are commonly known to cause certain types of rice diseases, and we found that these pathogens are associated with some of the observed rice diseases. Our findings provide insight into the role of bioaerosols in disease dissemination towards the paddy crop, so that proper disease management can potentially be employed.

Temuco city is one of the most air-polluted cities in South America; therefore, a daily air quality monitoring (AQM) program has been established. Using the AQM samples, we determined and compared the bacterial communities associated with the PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ fractions in different seasons and their correlations with the meteorological parameters. In addition, at different air quality levels (‘Good–Moderate’ [G–M] and ‘Alert–Preemergency’ [A–P]), we determined and compared the bacterial communities in the PM_2.5 fraction, which is highly relevant to public health. A greater bacterial diversity was detected in the PM_2.5 samples than in the PM10 samples, but no statistical differences (p < 0.05) were detected between the PM fractions or seasons. The PM fractions were dominated by Pseudomonadota (53–90%) and Bacteroidota (seven to 30%). In the colder seasons (fall and winter), PM_2.5 bacterial diversity was negatively correlated with precipitation. A negative correlation between bacterial diversity in the PM_2.5 and PM concentrations was also found in fall. For air quality levels, co-occurrence networks presented significantly greater positive relationships and connectivity in A–P than in G–M. Interestingly, Polaribacter in PM_2.5 was an indicator taxon for winter and a hub taxon for G–M; however, Alteromonas was an indicator and hub taxon in the A–P samples. Sea-related taxa were relevant to the bacterial community in the Temuco and AQM samples, with associated functional groups such as heterotrophs involved in carbon and sulfur cycling. Complementing sampling methods and major spatiotemporal studies are still needed to elucidate the variation patterns of airborne bacterial communities.

Investigating airborne fungal spore concentrations and the effects of meteorological variables on them, as well as evaluating potential source areas that contribute to spore concentrations, is critically important for managing agricultural damage caused by these spores and improving the quality of life of individuals affected by spore-related allergies. In this study, the atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores and the meteorological factors influencing these concentrations were investigated over a three-year period (2020–2022) in İzmir, a metropolitan city located on the western coast of Anatolia. Spore samples were collected throughout the study period using a volumetric spore trap (Lanzoni VPPS 2010). Correlation analyses revealed that daily average temperature and daily average wind speed showed the strongest significant associations with spore concentrations. Moreover, wind direction had a significant effect on spore concentrations. Winds originating from the northern parts of the city, where grasslands and agricultural areas are more prevalent, were particularly associated with higher spore concentrations. This study is the first multi-year spore monitoring research to report the atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in the city of İzmir, and it also highlights the importance of meteorological variables and emission sources in the seasonal dynamics of these fungal spores.

Indoor air quality in daycare center (DCCs) is a significant concern due to its potential impact on child health. Exposure to bioaerosols, including bacteria and fungi, can lead to respiratory infections, allergies, and other health issues. This study aims to assess the concentration of bioaerosol in DCCs, identify factors influencing their concentrations and I/O ratio. The bioaerosol sample was collected using bio stage impactor and Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) agar as a collection media. The highest indoor bacteria and fungi concentration was recorded in Kotasas DCC (1668 CFU/m³) and Balok DCC (1706 CFU/m³), respectively. Both concentrations have exceeded the ICOP recommended limit which are 500 CFU/m³ and 1000 CFU/m³ for both bacteria and fungi. The I/O ratio for bioaerosols varied across daycare centers, indicating differences in ventilation efficiency and indoor contamination sources. Pekan and Kotasas DCCs showed high bacterial I/O ratios (5.88 and 3.07), suggesting poor ventilation, while Bukit Ubi DCC had nearly equal indoor and outdoor concentrations (I/O ≈ 1), reflecting effective air exchange. Relative humidity (RH) measured in the indoor and outdoor air ranged approximately from 60 to 83% while the temperature ranged from 26 °C to 32 °C. The statistical analyses were performed using Rstudio 4.4.1. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between indoor fungal concentrations and RH (p < 0.01, r = 0.71) but a negative correlation with temperature (p < 0.01, r = − 0.46) and occupancy (p < 0.01, r = − 0.52), while indoor bacterial levels showed a moderate positive correlation with occupancy (p < 0.01, r = 0.55). These findings highlight the significant impact of environmental factors and occupancy on indoor air quality in DCCs. By understanding these relationships, effective strategies can be implemented to improve ventilation systems, reduce bioaerosol levels, and create healthier indoor environments for children.

Olea europaea L. is an anemophilous species of the Mediterranean basin and one of the most widespread fruit trees with notable agricultural and economic values. However, its pollen is recognized as one of the main causes of allergic reactions. Temperature and the rates of chilling and heat accumulations are vital for the olive reproductive cycle and determine the timing and the intensity of pollen season. Variations in its reproductive phenology can be a meaningful bio-indicator regarding the response to climatic changes.

In this study, recent phenological observations enabled the determination of flowering start dates for olive trees in Tétouan. These were compared with pollination dates defined according to different criteria, to determine which best approximates the observed dates. This study also aims to delineate chilling and heat requirements periods using a partial least squares (PLS) regression and estimate thermal requirements for the start date of pollination in Tétouan (NW of Morocco). The PLS analysis clearly delineated three discontinuous chilling accumulation periods spanned from September to the first week of December and one heat accumulation period from 14th February to 18th April. The average of chilling requirements and heat requirements was 4.89 chill portions (CP) and 17,191.71 growing degree hours (GDH), respectively. Linear regression revealed that forcing period had a closer relationship with timing and was then the main driver of the beginning of the olive pollen season. Defining the thermal accumulation periods and estimating chilling and heat requirements could provide evidence of future climatic changes impacts on tree phenology.

Grass pollen constitutes a significant public health concern in Australia, particularly for individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma, due to its strong association with epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) events, which are getting more frequent due to climate change. The combined effects of humidity and lightning during ETSA events cause intact grass pollen to rupture and release small particles that can trigger severe asthma attacks, leading to increased hospital admissions. To help prevent this, researchers began collecting and monitoring local pollen data that contribute to ETSA warning systems. In Australia, expert pollen counters rely on Hirst-type traps, but these machines take 24 h to operate. Some modern machines have been designed to monitor pollen faster, but they are not able to determine the state of the pollen (i.e., intact or ruptured). The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to enhance pollen monitoring by accurately identifying not only pollen taxa but also the state of the pollen. Using AI to monitor ruptured pollen could improve the accuracy and efficiency of warning systems, thereby helping to prevent the severe outcomes associated with ETSA events.

Metagenomic tools provide a comprehensive platform for exploring the indoor microbiota, a known potential health threat. The present study is designed to observe the comprehensive in-house microbiota of selected slum areas and assess its inter and intra-correlation with environmental and human health profiles. In our understanding, this is the first study reporting the indoor microflora of a slum area in a humid temporal zone. House dust from slum households (n = 240) was used as samples for 16S targeted metagenomic sequencing by NOVASEQ. Metagenome sequencing exhibited the presence of > 140 insignificantly variable species at both slum locations. Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria dominated with > 75% relative abundance. Volcano plots showed a significant association of observed microbiota with temperature, humidity, leakage, ventilation, and odor. Species diversity and selected pollutants and health variables were clustered into three groups, as depicted by agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and positive correlations were observed with the health profile of the natives as well as with environmental and infrastructural parameters. Thus, this study highlights the utility of metagenomic tools in providing a detailed understanding of the indoor microbiota in slum areas, shedding light on the complex interactions between environmental factors, microbial diversity, and public health. These insights could design future interventions to mitigate health risks.