Tree Pollen Sensitization and Cross-Reaction of Children with Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: Tree pollen causes allergic rhinitis and asthma. We investigated children who diagnosed as rhinitis or asthma, living in Busan, for tree allergen sensitization, component allergen, oral allergy syndrome, and the relationship between pollen counts and allergen sensitization.METHODS: Pollen were collected in Busan, from January 1 to December 31, 2017, using a Rotorod sampler and enumerated using a microscope. We conducted a study of children with rhinitis or asthma at Busan St. Mary's Hospital in 2017, administered an ISAAC questionnaire, and an oral allergy syndrome survey. Serum specific Ig E tests were performed.RESULTS: Among the 57 patients, the mean age was 9.3 years. The pollen counts in decreasing order were as follows: pine, alder, oak, juniper, beech, ginkgo, and birch. For sensitization, birch and alder 35.1%, Japanese cedar 19.3%, juniper 17.5%, pine 10.5%, and Japanese cypress 8.2%. The component Ig E was tested in 27 patients. Bet v 1 had a high correlation with birch, alder, and peach. Bet v 2 showed a statistically significant correlation with all tree pollen except cypress. Bet v 4 did not have any apparent correlation. Bet v 6 had the same pattern as Bet v 2, but correlation coefficient was higher than that of Bet v 2. Oral allergy syndrome was noted in 7 patients, including peach, peanut, apple, tomato, kiwi, and sesame.CONCLUSIONS: Alder and juniper are clinically important tree pollens in Busan. These pollens cause sensitization to birch and Japanese cedar by cross-reaction.

The Relationship between the Causative Allergens of Allergic Diseases and Environments in Korea Over a 8-Year-Period: Based on Skin Prick Test from 2006 to 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the results of skin prick test using 55 allergens at 20 centers in the Republic of Korea in 2006, 2010, and 2014–2015. The aim was to assess changes in the positive rate of allergens according to temporal, regional, and environmental factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 20 hospitals were selected based on the population distribution in the Republic of Korea. A skin prick test panel comprising 55 aeroallergens was distributed to 18 hospitals for this prospective study. The 2006 and 2010 skin prick test results were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 20 hospitals, while the 2014/2015 skin prick test results (from June 2014 to May 2015) were collected prospectively from 18 hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 14,897 SPT test results were analyzed: 4,319 in 2006, 7,431 in 2010, and 1,852 in 2014/2015. The overall rate of skin prick test positivity to more than two allergens was significantly higher in males than females. The positive rates of alder pollens and birch, oak and ragweed pollen positivity were increased in older patients. Several positive rates were increased according to the temperature in spring. The positive rates for beech pollen, birch pollen, hazel pollen, oak pollen, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, mugwort, cat, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae were significantly increased, while those of Cult rye pollen and dandelion were significantly decreased over the three test periods. The overall positive rate for allergens in Jeju province varied significantly from Seoul and other cities. CONCLUSION: Change in the positive rate of multiple aeroallergens was evaluated in the Republic of Korea over time. Our findings can be used to recommend aeroallergens suitable for inclusion in skin prick test panels in the Republic of Korea and will facilitate further investigation of changes in the patterns of allergic diseases.

Patterns of Inhalant Allergen Sensitization and Geographical Variation in Korean Adults: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

PURPOSE: Inhalant allergen sensitization is one of the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases. However, the sensitization is determined by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Thus, testing panels of inhalant allergens may differ among geographical areas. Here we aimed to determine 10 common inhalant allergens in Korean adult patients with suspected respiratory allergies and to examine the variation between different geographical locations. METHODS: A total of 28,954 patient records were retrieved for retrospective analysis, from 12 referral allergy clinics located in 9 different areas. Inclusion criteria were Korean adults (≥18 years old) who underwent the inhalant allergen skin prick test for suspected history of respiratory allergy. The primary outcome was inhalant allergen skin prick response. Demographic and clinical information were also collected. Positive skin prick responses to allergens were defined as allergen-to-histamine wheal ratio ≥1. Based on skin test results, the most prevalent aeroallergens were determined. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of allergic sensitization was 45.3%. Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the most commonly sensitized allergens. Other common inhalant allergens were cat epithelium (8.1%), birch (7.7%), mugwort (6.9%), alder (6.7%), hazel (6.7%), beech (6.7%), oak (6.6%), and Tyrophagus putres (6.2%), in decreasing order frequency. These 10 inhalant allergens explained 90% of inhalant allergen sensitization in the study participants. However, distinct patterns of the 10 inhalant sensitization were observed in patients living in Chungnam and Jeju. American cockroach, Gernam cockroach, and Trichophyton metagrophytes were unique in Chungnam. Orchard, Japanese cedar, and Velvet were unique in Jeju. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis suggests a panel of 10 most common inhalant allergens in Korean adult patients with suspected respiratory allergies, which explained 90% of inhalant allergen sensitization. This panel can be utilized as a practical and convenient tool for primary practice and epidemiological surveys of respiratory allergic diseases.

Association Between the Sensitization Rate for Inhalant Allergens in Patients with Respiratory Allergies and the Pollen Concentration in Ulsan, Korea / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pollinosis is an increasing problem, with allergenic pollen causing rhinitis, asthma, and other allergic diseases. This study examined the patterns of sensitization to inhalant allergens in patients with respiratory allergies and analyzed the regional pollen concentrations in Ulsan, Korea. METHODS: A skin prick test was performed with 21 common inhalant allergens, including 18 types of pollen, in 634 patients with respiratory allergies from January of 2008 through December of 2010. Airborne pollen was collected daily from three different stations in Ulsan using a Durham sampler. Daily records and identification of the pollen types were made (2009-2010). RESULTS: The sensitization rates for inhalant allergens were as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (38.2%), Dermatophagoides farinae (38.0%), birch (15.8%), alder (15.3%), hazel (14.2%), oak (13.5%), beech (10.8%), mugwort (9.6%), and hop Japanese (5.2%). Airborne pollen has two peak seasons: tree pollen from February to June, followed by weed pollen from August to October. Pine tree, oak, and alder were the most frequently found pollen types in spring, whereas hop Japanese and mugwort were the most frequently found pollen types in autumn. CONCLUSIONS: House dust mites are the most common offending allergen in Ulsan. The sensitization rates to some tree pollen types, including birch, alder, and hazel were higher than those of weed or grass pollen. Causative allergens are changing in response to climate change and air pollution. Continuous aerobiological monitoring is the cornerstone for observing changes in pollen and a prerequisite for the study of the effect of climate change on allergic diseases.

Changes of aeroallergen sensitization in children with asthma or allergic rhinitis from a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul over 10 years

PURPOSE: Allergic diseases have been increased in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of sensitization rate to inhalant allergens over 10 years in children with allergic diseases from a tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: Skin prick tests were done in total 2,225 children in 2000, 2005, and 2010. Changes of skin reactivity to 12 major inhalant allergens, including Tree pollen mixture I (Alder, Elm, Hazel, Poplar, Willow), Tree pollen mixture II (Beech, Birch, Oak, Plane tree), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farina, Alternaria, cat dander, and dog dander were investigated. RESULTS: The sensitization rates to Tree pollen mixture I and II were increased as 5.0%, 6.8% in 2000, 8.5%, 9.8% in 2005, and 14.8%, 17.3% in 2010, respectively (trend P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). And the sensitization rates to D. pteronyssinus cat dander and dog dander were changed as 55%, 4.8%, 4.8% in 2000, 62.2%, 11.9%, 28% in 2005, and 63.1%, 12.7%, 16.7% in 2010, respectively. The distribution of sensitized pollens was oak (12.8%), beech (12.4%), pine (10.3%), birch (10%), hazel (9.6%), alder (8%), elder (6.9%), elm (5.4%) in the study of 2010. When allergen/histamine ratio was compared, rates of strong sensitization over 4+ to tree pollen were increased. CONCLUSION: The sensitization rates to inhalant allergens were increased in children with asthma or allergic rhinitis from a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul over last 10 years. Especially, an increase in the degree of skin reactivity was observed in cat dander, dog dander, and tree pollens. The studies to investigate the etiology of this increase and prevention will be needed.

Comparison of plant species diversity with different plant communities in deciduous forests

Species diversity is one of the most important indices used for evaluating the sustainability of forest communities. This study aims to characterize the forest communities and to identify and compare the plant species diversity in the study area. For this purpose, 152 relev‚s were sampled by a randomized-systematic method, using the Braun-Blanquet scale. Classification of the vegetation was conducted by the twinspan algorithm. Four communities, including Querco-Carpinetum betulii, Carpineto-Fagetum Oriental, Rusco-Fagetum Oriental and Fagetum Oriental were recognized. Species richness, Shannon, and Simpson indices were applied to quantify diversity of the different communities. Turkey test was used to investigate the differences in the species richness, diversity and evenness indices among the different communities. The results illustrate that Querco-Carpinetum betulii and Carpineto-Fagetum Oriental communities are significantly more diverse than Rusco-Fagetum Oriental and Fagetum Oriental communities. The spatial structure of the releves becomes more 'homogenous' and the dominance structure changes: the proportion of beech-forest species is gradually increasing. At the same time, the number of species per unit area decreases constantly, reaching eventually the value comparable to that recorded for hornbeam forest. Generally, species diversity is inversely correlated with the dominance of shade tolerant climax species

Measurement of tannin in treebarks of oak, beech, alder, horn beam and black walnut

In Antiquty, The treebarks were used as medication. The most of treebarks have tannin that is important material in vegetative universe. this important plant material has Antiseptic and protein coagulating properties. The purpose of this investigation is quantitating of tannin from the treebarks such as black walnut, oak, alder, horn beam and beech. The total extractive matrials obtained according TAPPI standard. The bark phenolic compound were obtained according Calberg and Kurth scheme. Tannin was evaluated by Tanoform method. Experiments showed that the total extractive content of these species were 29.8, 23.2, 17.9, 16.8 and 16.7 percent respectively. Also, it was shown that the total phenolic materials were 26.3, 21.2, 13.6, 12.9 and 14.0 percent respectively. By sequential precipitation, Flobatannins, Flobaphens and Flavonoids were separated and measured quantitavely. Also the percentage of tannin in extractive materials of species were evaluated between 40-50%. Generally, The total extractive materials in this study were obtained between 17-30 percent which almost half of that is tannin. The minimum and maximum of tannin belong to beech and walnut Species respectively. Hydrolysable and condensed tannins have medical and industries application

Introduction to Distribution and Ecology of Sterile Conks of Inonotus obliquus

Inonotus obliquus is a fungus that causes white heart rot on several broad-leaved species. This fungus forms typical charcoal-black, sterile conks (chaga) or cinder conks on infected stems of the birche (Betula spp). The dark brown pulp of the sterile conk is formed by a pure mycelial mass of fungus. Chaga are a folk remedy in Russia, reflecting the circumboreal distribution of I. obliquus in boreal forest ecosystems on Betula spp. and in meridional mountain forests on beech (Fagus spp.) in Russia, Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. Distribution at lower latitudes in Western and Southern Europe, Northern America, Asia, Japan, and Korea is rare. Infected trees grow for many years without several symptoms of decline. The infection can penetrate through stem injuries with exterior sterile conks developing later. In the Czech Republic, cinder conk is found on birches inhabiting peat bogs and in mountain areas with a colder and more humid climate, although it is widespread in other broad leaved species over the Czech Republic. The most common hosts are B. pendula, B. pubescens, B. carpatica, and F. sylvatica. Less frequent hosts include Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Alnus incana, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus cerris, Q. petraea, Q. robur, Q. delachampii, and Ulmus sp.

Harvesting impact on herbaceous understory, forest floor and top soil properties on skid road in a beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stand.

In this study the impact of production work on the skid roads that have been carried out for many years by manpower animal power or machinery in a beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stand have been examined. For this purpose, herbaceous understory, forest floor and soil samples were collected from the undisturbed area and the skid road. Weight per unit area (kg ha(-1)), organic matter ratio and moisture of forest floor and herbaceous understory were measured in undisturbed area and the skid road. Soil characteristics were examined at two different depths (0-5 cm and 5-10 cm). Percentages of sand, silt and clay electrical conductivity, weight of fine soil (<2 mm), soil fraction (>2 mm), root mass, organic carbon, moisture equivalent, total porosity, bulk density, moisture, compaction and pH values in the soil were determined. It has been determined that the amount of herbaceous understory and forest floor on the skid road decreased considerably compared to those of the undisturbed area. Parallel to this, the amount of organic matter in the herbaceous understory and the forest floor on the skid road decreased as well. It has been concluded that there are crucial differences between the values of compaction, bulk density fine soil weight, total porosity and moisture equivalent of the soil samples collected from both the skid road and the undisturbed area at both depth levels, as a result of compaction of the soil caused by harvesting works.

Thinning effects on production, root biomass and some soil properties in a young oriental beech stand in Artvin, Turkey.

In this study, three thinning treatments were applied on a 0.54 ha young oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stand (25-30 years old) in Karadag, Artvin in the fall of 1999. The treatments were: (1) no thinning, (2) light thinning, and (3) heavy thinning. Prior to thinning, the stand averaged 15000 trees ha(-1) and 40.0 m2 ha(-1) of basal area, with an average mean diameter of 5 cm. Thinning reduced stand basal areas to about 31.1 and 24.9 m2 ha(-1) for the light and heavy thinning treatments, respectively. After 3-years, diameter increment was the highest in heavily thinned stand and the lowest in unthinned stand. The increment in stand basal area was about 10, 18 and 27% in the unthinned, lightly thinned, and heavily thinned stands, respectively. Fine root biomass significantly decreased with thinning and thinning had no significant effects on soil pH and soil organic matter content.

Relationship between Sensitization to Outdoor Aeroallergen and Month of Birth / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Early sensitization to outdoor aeroallergens such as tree, grass and weed pollen in the early period of infancy is very important in the development of seasonal bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis. There is a suggestion that pollen contact during the first 6 months of life increases the risk of pollen allergy for 20 years or later. The aim of our investigation was to identify the relationship between sensitization to outdoor aeroallergens and the month and season of birth in childhood respiratory allergic disorders. METHODS: One hundred three seasonal allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthmatic children were enrolled for this study, and skin prick tests done for each patient to detect the sensitized allergens. Ragweed, mugwort, alder, hazelnut, elm, willow, birch, beech, oak, plane tree, orchard and timothy grass were used for outdoor aeroallergens. The relative risk (RR) for development of hypersensitivity to outdoor aeroallergen in children born in certain months was calculated. RESULTS: We found that relative risk of immediate hypersensitivity to each outdoor aeroallergen was dependent on the season and month of birth. Tree pollen was the most common sensitizing allergen in children who were born in spring (RR=2.12, P< 0.001) and May (RR=1.83, P=0.042), grass pollen was most common in summer (RR=2.06, P=0.046) and June-born children (RR=3.69, P< 0.001) ; weed pollen was the in fall (ragweed RR=2.89; mugwort RR=2.23, P< 0.001) and September-born children. (ragweed RR=2.10, P=0.029; mugwort RR=1.98, P=0.026) CONCLUSION: Exposure in early infancy to outdoor aeroallergens is an important risk factor in the subsequent development of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Root biomass and carbon storage in oriental spruce and beech stands in Artvin, Turkey.

In this study, influence of slope position (south-facing vs. north-facing), species type and sampling time on fine (0-2 mm), small (2-5 mm) and coarse (5-10 mm) root biomass and carbon storage of oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) and oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) were investigated. Mean total root biomass of oriental spruce was 20160 kg ha(-1) in south-facing slopes and 17140 kg ha(-1) in north-facing slopes. Mean total belowground C storage of oriental spruce was 7861 kg ha(-1) in south-facing slopes and 6840 kg ha(-1) in north-facing slopes. Similarly, biomass and C storage of oriental beech were 17190 and 6690 kg ha(-1) in south-facing slopes, and 13260 and 5200 kg ha(-1) in north-facing slopes, respectively. Oriental spruce had significantly higher fine root biomass than did oriental beech in south-facing slopes. Fine root biomass was significantly higher in fall than in spring in south-facing slopes.

Sensitization rates for inhalant allergens in Korea; a multi-center study / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are many differences in common inhalant allergens between countries and regions. We need to determine the major inhalant allergens in this country with geographical characteristics. To observe the major inhalant allergens and establish essential ones for the skin prick test in Korea, a nation-wide multicenter study was performed. METHOD: The skin prick tests were performed with the same kits of 43 allergens on 2,554 allergy patients who visited their regional hospitals for one year. RESULT: There are significant differences in the sensitization rate to common inhalant allergens among the centers. Twenty three allergens showed > or=5% sensitization rate: D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tetranychus urticae, Panonychus citri, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium tenuis, cat fur, dog hair, American and German cockroach, tree pollen mixture I, alder, hazel, tree pollen mixture II, birch, beech, oak, plane tree, ragweed, mugwort, hop Japanese and chrysanthemum. CONCLUSION: We suggest the major allergens such as D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, T. putrescentiae, T. urticae, P. citri, outdoor molds, indoor molds, cat fur, dog hair, German and American cockroaches, tree pollens, mugwort, and hop Japanese pollen should be included in skin test battery in Korea.

Pollen Allergy in Children (ll): The Significance of Tree Pollen As a Causative Allergen in Children with Allergic Diseases

PURPOSE: The positive rates of allergy skin test of pollens are relatively higher in children in Suwon compared to other areas in Korea. To evaluate the significance of tree pollen as a causative allergen, we undertook this study. METHODS: In 252 children with asthma, scratch tests were done with 72 extracts, including 9 tree pollen. Antigen specific serum IgE antibodies were measured by radioimmunoassay. In 2 children, birch-bronchial challenges were performed. RESULTS: By allergic skin tests, 231 of 252 children showed positive skin reactions to more than 1 antigen, and 102 (44.2%) showed positive reactions to tree pollen extracts. Twenty-five (24.5%) were house dust mites non-sensitive, tree pollen sensitive children. The skin test positivity to individual antigens are as follows : D. pteronyssinus (72.7%), D. farinae (68.4%), hazel (53%), willow (53%), birch (19.9%), oak (19.5%), beech (17.3%), alder (10.4%), ash (8.7%) and elm (7.4%). The degree of skin reaction to tree pollen was relatively weaker than those of house dust mites. The positive concordance rates between skin tests and specific IgE reactions to D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and tree pollens were 94.4%, 77.3% and 64.1%, respectively. Seven out of 25 mite non-sensitive children had seasonal pollinosis and 2 children experienced early asthmatic responses due to birch-bronchial challenge tests. CONCLUSION: Up to 44.2% of children with respiratory allergy showed positive reactions to tree pollen extracts and 24.5% of them were house dust mites non-sensitive cases. Therefore, tree pollen should be investigated as a causative allergen, regardless of a patient's age.