Co-exposure to highly allergenic airborne pollen and fungal spores in Europe.

The study is aimed at determining the potential spatiotemporal risk of the co-occurrence of airborne pollen and fungal spores high concentrations in different bio-climatic zones in Europe. Birch, grass, mugwort, ragweed, olive pollen and Alternaria and Cladosporium fungal spores were investigated at 16 sites in Europe, in 2005-2019. In Central and northern Europe, pollen and fungal spore seasons mainly overlap in June and July, while in South Europe, the highest pollen concentrations occur frequently outside of the spore seasons. In the coldest climate, no allergy thresholds were exceeded simultaneously by two spore or pollen taxa, while in the warmest climate most of the days with at least two pollen taxa exceeding threshold values were observed. The annual air temperature amplitude seems to be the main bioclimatic factor influencing the accumulation of days in which Alternaria and Cladosporium spores simultaneously exceed allergy thresholds. The phenomenon of co-occurrence of airborne allergen concentrations gets increasingly common in Europe and is proposed to be present on other continents, especially in temperate climate.

The impact of data assimilation into the meteorological WRF model on birch pollen modelling.

We analyse the impact of ground-based data assimilation to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) meteorological model on parameters relevant for birch pollen emission calculations. Then, we use two different emission databases (BASE - no data assimilation, OBSNUD - data assimilation for the meteorological model) in the chemical transport model and evaluate birch pollen concentrations. Finally, we apply a scaling factor for the emissions (BASE and OBSNUD), based on the ratio between simulated and observed seasonal pollen integral (SPIn) to analyse its impact on birch concentrations over Central Europe. Assimilation of observational data significantly reduces model overestimation of air temperature, which is the main parameter responsible for the start of pollen emission and amount of released pollen. The results also show that a relatively small bias in air temperature from the model can lead to significant differences in heating degree days (HDD) value. This may cause the HDD threshold to be attained several days earlier/later than indicated from observational data which has further impact on the start of pollen emission. Even though the bias for air temperature was reduced for OBSNUD, the model indicates a start for the birch pollen season that is too early compared to observations. The start date of the season was improved at two of the 11 stations in Poland. Data assimilation does not have a significant impact on the season's end or SPIn value. The application of the SPIn factor for the emissions results in a much closer birch pollen concentration level to observations even though the factor does not improve the start or end of the pollen season. The post-processing of modelled meteorological fields, such as the application of bias correction, can be considered as a way to further improve the pollen emission modelling.

Extension of WRF-Chem for birch pollen modelling-a case study for Poland.

In recent years, allergies due to airborne pollen allergens have shown an increasing trend, along with the severity of allergic symptoms in most industrialized countries, while synergism with other common atmospheric pollutants has also been identified as affecting the overall quality of citizenly life. In this study, we propose the state-of-the-art WRF-Chem model, which is a complex Eulerian meteorological model integrated on-line with atmospheric chemistry. We used a combination of the WRF-Chem extended towards birch pollen, and the emission module based on heating degree days, which has not been tested before. The simulations were run for the moderate season in terms of birch pollen concentrations (year 2015) and high season (year 2016) over Central Europe, which were validated against 11 observational stations located in Poland. The results show that there is a big difference in the model's performance for the two modelled years. In general, the model overestimates birch pollen concentrations for the moderate season and highly underestimates birch pollen concentrations for the year 2016. The model was able to predict birch pollen concentrations for first allergy symptoms (above 20 pollen m-3) as well as for severe symptoms (above 90 pollen m-3) with probability of detection at 0.78 and 0.68 and success ratio at 0.75 and 0.57, respectively for the year 2015. However, the model failed to reproduce these parameters for the year 2016. The results indicate the potential role of correcting the total seasonal pollen emission in improving the model's performance, especially for specific years in terms of pollen productivity. The application of chemical transport models such as WRF-Chem for pollen modelling provides a great opportunity for simultaneous simulations of chemical air pollution and allergic pollen with one goal, which is a step forward for studying and understanding the co-exposure of these particles in the air.

High Ambrosia pollen concentrations in Poland respecting the long distance transport (LDT).

High Ambrosia pollen concentrations in Poland rather rarely come from the local sources. The aim of this study was to define the temporal and spatial differences of the high Ambrosia pollen concentrations by creating models for the pollen transport from the distant sources. This study was thought to determine the direction of the air masses inflow into Poland, carrying Ambrosia pollen, from areas of the bordering countries with the pollen concentrations higher than iSTOTEN_n Poland. Pollen and meteorological datasets at 8 monitoring sites in Poland, and daily pollen concentrations at 11 sites in the Czech Republic, 5 sites in Slovakia and 3 sites in Ukraine were analysed recently. Days with concentrations ≥10 Pollen/m3 and concurrent meteorological situations were analysed in great deal. The HYSPLIT model was applied to compute backward trajectories up to 4 days backward (96 h) and at three altitudes: 20, 500 and 1000 m above ground level (a.g.l.). High pollen concentrations occur most frequently when the air masses inflow into Poland from southerly (S, SE, SW, 44%) and easterly (E, 6%) directions and in no advection situations (25%). In years with the highest frequency of days over 10 Pollen/m3, the prevailing directions of the pollen influx into Poland were from the South (2004-2006, 2008, 2011) but in one year (2014) from the East. Trajectories for the studied period show that air masses come most frequently from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Sometimes, the Ambrosia pollen transport happens from Ukraine.

A study on the spatial and temporal variability in airborne Betula pollen concentration in five cities in Poland using multivariate analyses.

During the spring period, Betula pollen is the main cause of inhalant allergies in Poland and therefore it is important to monitor and forecast airborne pollen concentrations of this taxon. This study conducted a comparative analysis of the basic characteristics of Betula pollen seasons at the regional scale. The study was carried out from 2001 to 2016 in five cities in Poland: Lublin, Warsaw, Cracow, Sosnowiec, and Szczecin. To find the attributes of birch pollen seasons that mostly differentiated the individual cities, a general discriminant analysis (GDA) was performed, while a principal component analysis (PCA) allowed us to reduce the data space and present a scatterplot of PCA scores in order to compare pollen seasons in the individual cities. The contingency table was also analyzed to check whether there was a significant relationship between pollen counts in the studied years and cities. At most of the sites, biennial cycles of low and high pollen concentrations can be observed. Due to the high variation in seasons in each of these cities, two data groups were distinguished: Group 1 was composed of seasons with high pollen deposition (2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016), and Group 2 comprising the other seasons. Multivariate analyses were performed on both these groups as well as in the entire dataset. End98, Peak Value, and Annual Total had the highest discriminant power. In Group 1, Warsaw and Sosnowiec differed the most in the investigated parameters, while Cracow and Szczecin differed the least. In both groups, most seasons with the highest pollen birch concentration were observed in Lublin, followed by Warsaw, while in Cracow, the number of such seasons was the smallest.

Exposure to pollen allergens in allergic rhinitis expressed by diurnal variation of airborne tree pollen in urban and rural area.

Exposure to airborne pollen allergens results in allergic symptoms in subjects who are sensitized. The paper presents diurnal variation in the counts of airborne allergenic pollen of selected trees (Betula L., Alnus Mill., Corylus L., Fagus L. and Ulmus L.) in two localities differing in the degree of urbanization: the city of Szczecin (urban) and the village of Gudowo, West Pomerania in northwest Poland (rural) in the years 2012-2014. The measurements were made by the volumetric method using a Burkardtype sampler operating in a continuous mode. The greatest similarities in the beginning of the main pollen season between the two sites studied were observed for birch and elm trees, while in the length of the main pollen season, for birch and alder trees. Pollen counts of alder and hazel reached higher levels in the rural area, while the levels of ash tree pollen counts were higher in the urban area. The level of birch tree pollen counts was similar in the two sites studied. For the majority of taxons observed in the urban and rural areas the dynamics of hourly changes in tree pollen counts were similar. The pollination peak was noted in the daytime, usually in the afternoon. For ash and elm trees increased pollen counts were observed at nighttime, while the birch tree pollen counts were at a high level for most of the 24 h cycle. The knowledge of seasonal and diurnal variations in tree pollen counts is crucial for prevention in patients with allergic rhinitis, sensitized to tree pollen allergens.

Poaceae, Secale spp. and Artemisia spp. pollen in the air at two sites of different degrees of urbanisation.

INTRODUCTION: Among herbal plants, most cases of allergic reactions, like seasonal inflammation of nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis and pollen asthma, are related to the allergens from grass pollen. As the blossoming and pollination of rye is known to start the pollen season of grasses, information about the airborne rye pollen count permits alerting the people allergic to certain allergens contained in rye pollen. An important cause of allergy is also the pollen from wormwood, blossoming in late summer, as its two main allergens produce cross-reactions with many other plant allergens. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of allergic reactions in persons with pollinosis on the basis of the pollen calendar, analysis of concentrations of pollen grains of grass and rye, and comparison of diurnal pattern of airborne pollen grain concentrations at two sites with different degrees of urbanisation (Gudowo in the country and the city of Szczecin) in 2012-2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The concentration of pollen was measured by the volume method. Length of the pollination season was determined by the method of 98%, assuming that the beginning and the end of the pollen season are the days on which 1% and 99% of the annual sum of pollen appeared. RESULTS: The first pollen grains to appear in the air are those produced by rye, followed by those produced by grass and wormwood. The pollen seasons of grasses and wormwood started about one week earlier in Gudowo than in Szczecin, while the pollen season of rye started at almost the same time in the country and in the city. Airborne pollen counts of grasses, rye and wormwood were much higher in the country than in the city. The differences most probably result from the different floristic composition at these two sites and reflect the local contribution of the taxa studied in the country. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of allergy caused by the pollen of the taxa analysed was much higher in Gudowo (in the country), than in Szczecin city.

Forecasting model of Corylus, Alnus, and Betula pollen concentration levels using spatiotemporal correlation properties of pollen count.

The aim of the study was to create and evaluate models for predicting high levels of daily pollen concentration of Corylus, Alnus, and Betula using a spatiotemporal correlation of pollen count. For each taxon, a high pollen count level was established according to the first allergy symptoms during exposure. The dataset was divided into a training set and a test set, using a stratified random split. For each taxon and city, the model was built using a random forest method. Corylus models performed poorly. However, the study revealed the possibility of predicting with substantial accuracy the occurrence of days with high pollen concentrations of Alnus and Betula using past pollen count data from monitoring sites. These results can be used for building (1) simpler models, which require data only from aerobiological monitoring sites, and (2) combined meteorological and aerobiological models for predicting high levels of pollen concentration.

The patterns of Corylus and Alnus pollen seasons and pollination periods in two Polish cities located in different climatic regions.

This study compares phenological observations of Corylus (hazel) and Alnus (alder) flowering with airborne pollen counts of these taxa recorded using volumetric spore traps (2009-2011). The work was carried out in the Polish cities of Szczecin and Rzeszów that are located in different climatic regions. Correlations between pollen concentrations and meteorological data were investigated using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. The timings of hazel and alder pollination and the occurrence of airborne pollen varied greatly and were significantly influenced by meteorological conditions (p < 0.05). The flowering synchronization of hazel and alder pollination in Szczecin and Rzeszów varied over the study period. Hazel and alder trees flowered notably earlier in stands located in places that were exposed to sunlight (insolated) and sheltered from the wind. On the other hand, a delay in the timing of pollination was observed in quite sunny but very windy sites. In Rzeszów, maximum hazel pollen concentrations did not coincide with the period of full pollination (defined as between 25 % hazel and alder and 75 % of flowers open). Conversely, in Szczecin, the highest hazel pollen concentrations were recorded during phenophases of the full pollination period. The period when the highest alder pollen concentrations were recorded varied between sites, with Rzeszów recording the highest concentrations at the beginning of pollination and Szczecin recording alder pollen throughout the full pollination period. Substantial amounts of hazel and alder pollen grains were recorded in the air of Rzeszów (but not Szczecin) before the onset of the respective pollen seasons.

Forecasting of the selected features of Poaceae (R. Br.) Barnh., Artemisia L. and Ambrosia L. pollen season in Szczecin, north-western Poland, using Gumbel's distribution.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The allergenic pollen content of the atmosphere varies according to climate, biogeography and vegetation. Minimisation of the pollen allergy symptoms is related to the possibility of avoidance of large doses of the allergen. Measurements performed in Szczecin over a period of 13 years (2000-2012 inclusive) permitted prediction of theoretical maximum concentrations of pollen grains and their probability for the pollen season of Poaceae, Artemisia and Ambrosia. Moreover, the probabilities were determined of a given date as the beginning of the pollen season, the date of the maximum pollen count, Seasonal Pollen Index value and the number of days with pollen count above threshold values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aerobiological monitoring was conducted using a Hirst volumetric trap (Lanzoni VPPS). Linear trend with determination coefficient (R(2)) was calculated. Model for long-term forecasting was performed by the method based on Gumbel's distribution. RESULTS: A statistically significant negative correlation was determined between the duration of pollen season of Poaceae and Artemisia and the Seasonal Pollen Index value. Seasonal, total pollen counts of Artemisia and Ambrosia showed a strong and statistically significant decreasing tendency. On the basis of Gumbel's distribution, a model was proposed for Szczecin, allowing prediction of the probabilities of the maximum pollen count values that can appear once in e.g. 5, 10 or 100 years. CONCLUSIONS: Short pollen seasons are characterised by a higher intensity of pollination than long ones. Prediction of the maximum pollen count values, dates of the pollen season beginning, and the number of days with pollen count above the threshold, on the basis of Gumbel's distribution, is expected to lead to improvement in the prophylaxis and therapy of persons allergic to pollen.

Artificial neural network model of the relationship between Betula pollen and meteorological factors in Szczecin (Poland).

Birch pollen is one of the main causes of allergy during spring and early summer in northern and central Europe. The aim of this study was to create a forecast model that can accurately predict daily average concentrations of Betula sp. pollen grains in the atmosphere of Szczecin, Poland. In order to achieve this, a novel data analysis technique--artificial neural networks (ANN)--was used. Sampling was carried out using a volumetric spore trap of the Hirst design in Szczecin during 2003-2009. Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that humidity had a strong negative correlation with Betula pollen concentrations. Significant positive correlations were observed for maximum temperature, average temperature, minimum temperature and precipitation. The ANN resulted in multilayer perceptrons 366 8: 2928-7-1:1, time series prediction was of quite high accuracy (SD Ratio between 0.3 and 0.5, R > 0.85). Direct comparison of the observed and calculated values confirmed good performance of the model and its ability to recreate most of the variation.

Influence of meteorological parameters and air pollution on hourly fluctuation of birch (Betula L.) and ash (Fraxinus L.) airborne pollen.

Pollen grains are one of the most important groups of atmospheric biological particles that originate allergic processes. Knowledge of intradiurnal variation of the atmospheric pollen may be useful for the treatment and prevention of pollen allergies. Intradiurnal fluctuation of hourly pollen counts in 24 h are related to the daily rhythm of anther opening, and modified by various interacting factors. Flowering and pollen production of individual species are influenced by genetic, phenological, ecological, meteorological and climatic factors. Estimation of the intradiurnal variability in the pollen count permits evaluation of the threat posed by allergens over a given area. Measurements performed in Szczecin over a period of 7 years (2006-2012) permitted analysis of hourly variation of the pollen count of birch (Betula) and ash (Fraxinus) in 24 h, and evaluation of the impact of weather conditions and the concentration of gas air pollutants on the intradiurnal patterns of both taxa. Aerobiological monitoring was conducted using a Hirst volumetric trap (Lanzoni VPPS 2000). Consecutive phases during the day were defined as 1, 5, 25, 50, 75, 95, 99% of annual total pollen. The analysis revealed that 50% of total daily pollen was noted at 14:00 for Betula and Fraxinus. The hourly distribution of birch pollen count skewed to the left and the majority of pollen of this taxon appears in the air in the first 12 hours of the day. However, for ash, the hourly distribution of pollen count skewed to the right. Statistically significant correlation was noted between the Betula and Fraxinus pollen concentration and the mean air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, air pressure, total radiation and nitrogen oxides (NO(x)).

Threat of allergenic airborne grass pollen in Szczecin, NW Poland: the dynamics of pollen seasons, effect of meteorological variables and air pollution.

The dynamics of Poaceae pollen season, in particularly that of the Secale genus, in Szczecin (western Poland) 2004-2008 was analysed to establish a relationship between the meteorological variables, air pollution and the pollen count of the taxa studied. Consecutive phases during the pollen season were defined for each taxon (1, 2.5, 5, 25, 50, 75, 95, 97.5, 99% of annual total), and duration of the season was determined using the 98% method. On the basis of this analysis, the temporary differences in the dynamics of the seasons were most evident for Secale in 2005 and 2006 with the longest main pollen season (90% total pollen). The pollen season of Poaceae started the earliest in 2007, when thermal conditions were the most favourable. Correlation analysis with meteorological factors demonstrated that the relative humidity, mean and maximum air temperature, and rainfall were the factors influencing the average daily pollen concentrations in the atmosphere; also, the presence of air pollutants such as ozone, PM(10) and SO(2) was statistically related to the pollen count in the air. However, multiple regression models explained little part of the total variance. Atmospheric pollution induces aggravation of symptoms of grass pollen allergy.

Effect of meteorological factors on Betula, Fraxinus and Quercus pollen concentrations in the atmosphere of Lublin and Szczecin, Poland.

The aim of the study was to compare the concentration of 3 allergenic taxa pollen (ash, birch and oak) in the cities of Lublin (eastern Poland) and Szczecin (western Poland) during the years 2004 and 2005 and examine correlations between weather factors and pollen concentration. The meteorological parameters analysed were maximum and mean air temperature, relative humidity, amount of precipitation and wind speed. Measurements were performed by the volumetric method (Lanzoni 2000 pollen sampler). Pollen seasons were defined as the period in which 95 % of the total catch occurred. The pollen seasons of the studied taxa started earlier in Szczecin than in Lublin. In both cities much higher Betula pollen concentration and slightly higher Fraxinus pollen concentration were recorded in 2004 compared to 2005. But for Quercus, higher concentrations were recorded in Lublin and in Szczecin in 2005. Annual totals and maximum daily pollen grain concentrations of the tree taxa in question were higher in Lublin than in Szczecin. In 2005, maximum Betula and Fraxinus pollen concentrations occurred in each of the cities at the same time: in Lublin on 18 April, in Szczecin on 16 April. Among the meteorological parameters analysed, maximum temperature and relative humidity belong to the most important factors which affect ash, birch and oak pollen concentrations in the air.

Ragweed pollen in the air of Szczecin.

The aim of the study was to analyse the ragweed (Ambrosia) pollination in Szczecin (western Poland) in the years 2000-2002. Measurements were performed by the volumetric and gravimetric method. Pollen seasons were defined as the periods of 90 % of the total catch. Ragweed pollen is known as a very potent aeroallergen. In recent years ragweed appeared in Europe in hitherto unknown localities, and the number of people allergic to the allergens of this plant has been gradually increasing. In the period of the study a strong tendency towards increasing ragweed pollen counts in the air of Szczecin was noted. Of the three years studied, the lowest concentration of ragweed pollen observed in 2000 equalled a few pollen grains in 1 m(3) per 24 h. In 2001, the highest airborne concentration of 30 grains in 1 m(3) per 24 h was noted at the end of August. The annual pollen count of ragweed in 2002 was 3 times higher than in 2001. The pollen season started in the second decade of August and lasted until the beginning of September. The highest airborne concentration of 98 grains in 1 m(3) per 24 h was noted at the beginning of September on a sunny day with strong wind. The pollen count of ragweed was found to depend on the weather conditions, especially on wind speed and relative humidity, diversity of local flora and long distance transportation.

Allergenic airborne grass pollen in Szczecin, Poland.

Grass pollens are known as very potent aeroallergens. The aim of the study was to analyse the grass pollen season in Szczecin (western Poland) in the years 2000-2003 and to establish a relationship between the meteorological conditions and the pollen counts of Poaceae. The meteorological parameters analysed were the maximum and mean air temperature, relative humidity, amount of precipitation and wind speed. Measurements were performed mainly by the volumetric method. In parallel, gravimetric monitoring was conducted in 4 Szczecin city districts in order to establish the spatial distribution of pollen in aeroplankton. Pollen seasons were defined as the periods in which 95 % of the total catch occurred. In the 4 years studied, the lowest concentration of grass pollen was observed in 2000 with the maximum value of 123 pollen grains in 1 m3 per 24 h. In subsequent seasons, the concentration of Poaceae pollen increased and the highest concentration of grass pollen, equal to 809 pollen grains in 1 m3 per 24 h was noted in 2003. The majority of Poaceae species have constant periods of pollen release and the high number of their species means that the pollen season is long and lasts from the beginning of May until the middle of September. The longest pollen season was observed in the year 2000 when the lowest pollen count was found. In sensitive persons the symptoms of pollinosis occur after some threshold pollen count value, which for grass is 30 grains in 1 m3 per 24 h. Therefore, the greatest threat from Poaceae pollen allergens is noted from the middle of May and until the end of July, and at the beginning of September. Analysis of the pollen distribution in different Szczecin city districts determined by the gravimetric method, has shown that the highest exposure to grass pollen allergens occurs in the districts Zelechowa and Sródmiescie, in the area with parks, villas and gardens or garden allotments. However, in the pollen season the threshold Poaceae pollen count value is usually exceeded in the entire city. Statistically significant correlations have been found between the grass pollen count in the air and the maximum wind speed, air temperature, amount of precipitation and relative air humidity. The pollen count of grass is determined by the diversity of local flora and weather conditions, especially by the air temperature and relative humidity.

Characterisation of pollen allergens.

Allergy is hypersensitive reaction by the body to foreign substances (antigens) which in similar amounts and circumstances are harmless within the bodies of other people. The allergic response develops when the natural immune defence mechanism, responsible for the correct reaction to environmental agents, is disturbed. The allergens are divided into those originating from the natural environment and those from a chemically contaminated environment. The most frequent allergens from the natural environment are inhalant ones present in pollen grains, mould fungi spores and in fragments of mycelial hyphae. The airborne allergens also include: bacteria, house dust mites, epidermis of house pets, allergens of some food products and insect venom. The allergens originating from the natural environment are usually proteins, being high-molecular compounds of molecular weight higher than 10 kDa. Pollen allergens are water-soluble proteins or glycoproteins of molecular masses from 10-70 kDa. Many of them are resistant to pH changes and high temperature, even up to 100 degrees C. Apart from pollen grains, allergens can occur in other parts of plants: roots, stems, leaves, seeds or fruit, in substances excreted by plants, such as juice and volatile oils, or in other bioaerosols of plant origin, e.g. fluids released during treatment of some crops. Proteins of some antigens show some analogies in the amino acids sequence, which determine immunological similarity and cross reactivity. From among factors conducing pollen allergy the most important are genetic and environmental ones (air pollution, exposure to allergens, infections of respiratory tract, diet) and microflora of pollen grains.

Betula and Populus pollen counts and meteorological conditions in Szczecin, Poland.

The aim of the study was to analyse a relationship between the meteorological conditions and the pollen counts of selected allergenic taxa (Betula spp., Populus spp.) in the air of Szczecin city (north western Poland) in 2001. Apart from the individual rhythm of plant pollination, weather conditions are considered the most important factors determining the dispersion and content of pollen in the air. The meteorological parameters analysed were the minimum, maximum and average values of air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. The beginning and end of a season were established by the 98 % method. The concentration of birch pollen in the air in 2001 was very high, the pollen season started in the third decade of April and lasted till the 10 May. The highest airborne concentration of 3,712 grains in 1 m(3) per 24 h was noted at the beginning of May on a sunny day with strong wind, and air temperature above 20 degrees C. The concentration of poplar pollen in 2001 was low. The pollen season started from the beginning of April and lasted till the beginning of May. The maximum concentration of airborne poplar pollen of 222 grains in 1 m(3) per 24 h was observed in the third decade of April and was preceded by several days with low temperature (1- 2 degrees C), rain, snowfalls and strong wind. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between the air temperature and the birch pollen concentration, while a similar but negative correlation was found for poplar pollen.