Altered ontogeny and transcriptomic signatures of tissue-resident pulmonary interstitial macrophages ameliorate allergic airway hyperresponsiveness.

Introduction: Environmental exposures and experimental manipulations can alter the ontogenetic composition of tissue-resident macrophages. However, the impact of these alterations on subsequent immune responses, particularly in allergic airway diseases, remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the significance of modified macrophage ontogeny resulting from environmental exposures on allergic airway responses to house dust mite (HDM) allergen. Methods: We utilized embryonic lineage labeling to delineate the ontogenetic profile of tissue-resident macrophages at baseline and following the resolution of repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury. We investigated differences in house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergy to assess the influence of macrophage ontogeny on allergic airway responses. Additionally, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and immunofluorescent staining to characterize the pulmonary macrophage composition, associated pathways, and tissue localization. Results: Our findings demonstrate that the ontogeny of homeostatic alveolar and interstitial macrophages is altered after the resolution from repeated LPS-induced lung injury, leading to the replacement of embryonic-derived by bone marrow-derived macrophages. This shift in macrophage ontogeny is associated with reduced HDM-induced allergic airway responses. Through scRNAseq and immunofluorescent staining, we identified a distinct subset of resident-derived interstitial macrophages expressing genes associated with allergic airway diseases, localized adjacent to terminal bronchi, and diminished by prior LPS exposure. Discussion: These results suggest a pivotal role for pulmonary macrophage ontogeny in modulating allergic airway responses. Moreover, our findings highlight the implications of prior environmental exposures in shaping future immune responses and influencing the development of allergies. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying these phenomena, this study provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for allergic airway diseases and avenues for further research into immune modulation and allergic disease prevention.

House dust mite immunotherapy: A real-world, prescription data-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: House dust mite (HDM) sensitisation can contribute to the development of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) or allergic asthma (AA). As treatment, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a promising approach, since it aims building immunotolerance against allergens, therewith establishing long-term efficacy. The evaluation of AIT has been investigated in many randomised controlled trials, whereas few real-world evidence studies are available. METHODS: We used data from the longitudinal prescription data base IQVIA™ LRx. Data on initial AIT prescriptions against HDM from January 2009 to December 2013 was analysed regarding treatment (subcutaneous AIT with either depigmented polymerised allergen extract [dSCIT] or other allergens [oSCIT], or sublingual immunotherapy [SLIT]) and treatment duration. Treatment groups were compared with a control group of AR patients not receiving AIT. Data on symptomatic medication was collected until February 2017 and progression of AR and AA was compared. RESULTS: Data of 7260 patients with AIT prescriptions and of 21,780 control patients was analysed. AIT was associated with a significant decrease of AR medication intake compared with control (dSCIT: -34.0%, p < 0.0001; oSCIT: -25.7%, p < 0.0001; SLIT: -37.7%, p = 0.0026). In asthmatics, SCIT was associated with a significant decrease of asthma medication compared with control (dSCIT: -45.2%, p < 0.0001; oSCIT: -32.9%, p < 0.0001). Further, a significantly reduced likelihood for onset of asthma medication was demonstrated in patients treated with SCIT compared with controls (dSCIT OR: 0.759, p = 0.0476; oSCIT OR: 0.815, p = 0.0339). CONCLUSION: Real-world data analyses indicate that AIT, particularly given via a subcutaneous route, reduces the need of medication against AR and AA and might delay the onset of asthma medication in patients with AR.

Cutaneous Lesions in the Gular Region Caused by Feather Follicle Infestation with Harpirhynchidae sp. Mites in Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) in New York, USA 2016-23.

Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus), migratory passerines with a breeding range throughout the northeastern, midwestern, and southern US, are banded annually at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, New York, USA. In 2016, a Great Crested Flycatcher was observed with distinct lesions in the gular and ventral neck region, which prompted evaluation for similar lesions in subsequently trapped flycatchers and other passerine species. From 2016 to 2023, 62/102 banded Great Crested Flycatchers had their gular region examined, and seven were found to have lesions (11.3% incidence). Similar lesions were not found in any other species. Lesions were localized to the gular region and included extensive feather loss with thickened, corrugated, pale-yellow skin. Grossly visible 1- to 2-mm-diameter, raised, white-to-yellow foci throughout the affected region corresponded microscopically to feather follicles that were massively dilated with mites. Morphologic analysis of mites obtained from skin scrapes revealed that this mite species belongs to the family Harpirhynchidae. Mites in this family have restricted avian host ranges and cause varying clinical presentations in passerines, though many species remain unidentified. PCR efforts were unsuccessful in yielding a species-level identification. Further monitoring of Great Crested Flycatchers and other avian species is warranted, as the fitness implications of this ectoparasitism at the individual and population levels are not known.

Pest categorisation of Cenopalpus irani.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Cenopalpus irani (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae), known as the Iranian false spider mite, following the commodity risk assessment of Malus domestica plants from Türkiye, in which C. irani was identified as a pest of possible concern for the territory of the European Union (EU). The pest is only known to be present in Iran and Türkiye and has not been reported from the EU. The mite primarily feeds on Rosaceae plants but is considered polyphagous. Important crops of the EU that are hosts of C. irani include apples (Malus domestica), pears (Pyrus communis) and figs (Ficus carica). Plants for planting and fruits provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability in southern EU countries would most probably allow this species to successfully establish and spread. This mite is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread of this species into the EU. The mite C. irani satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest, although there is a key uncertainty over the likelihood and magnitude of impact.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ocular Demodex at Ultra-High Altitude and Sea Level: A Cross-Sectional Study of Shigatse and Shanghai.

Purpose: Demodex infestation is a risk factor for several ocular surface diseases. However, the prevalence of ocular Demodex infection in the ultra-high altitude population is not clear. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and factors associated with Demodex in populations residing in ultra-high altitude region and sea level areas. Methods: Consecutive patients who visited Shigatse People's Hospital (> 4,000 m) and Shanghai Tongren Hospital (sea level) for eye complaints between January 2023 and January 2024 were included. Subjects were divided into ultra-high altitude and sea level groups. All subjects underwent eyelash epilation for ocular Demodex identification and counting. Demographic and lifestyle information was also collected. Results: A total of 517 subjects were eligible, including 255 subjects in the ultra-high-altitude group and 262 subjects in the sea level group. In the overall analysis, the prevalence of ocular Demodex infection was significantly different between the ultra-high-altitude and sea level groups (15.7% vs. 33.2%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that age, time spent outdoors, and makeup were associated with ocular Demodex infection in both groups. In addition, in the ultra-high-altitude group, people who wear sun hats outdoors were more likely to be infected with Demodex. Conclusion: The infection rate of ocular Demodex in the residents of ultra-high altitude area was significantly lower than that in the residents of sea level area, which may be related to lower ambient temperature, lower humidity, and higher solar radiation. Additionally, age, time spent outdoors, and makeup may be associated with ocular Demodex infection.

First trials exploring the potential of phytoseiid mites in managing lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), infestations on lychee plants.

Phytoseiid mites have been frequently found in association with the lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii, on lychee plants in Brazil, suggesting that they are promising candidates as biological control agents against this pest. Here, we investigated whether phytoseiids would suppress A. litchii infestation, i.e. formation of erinea, on lychee plants under field conditions. Four groups of A. litchii-infested plants were randomly distributed in the field, with each group receiving either Phytoseius intermedius, Amblyseius herbicolus, A. herbicolus supplemented with cattail pollen or no predator. During a three-month period, the released predators, along with others present in the surrounding environment, were allowed to freely walk among all plants. In each plant, we evaluated the occurrence of phytoseiid species, their abundance, and the dynamics of erinea formation. A total of 2,097 mites, including 13 other phytoseiid species were identified. The most abundant species were Iphiseiodes zuluagai and Euseius ho, rather than the two predator species that were released. A. herbicolus and P. intermedius failed to establish populations in the majority of the plants, regardless of the presence of pollen, suggesting their ineffectiveness in controlling A. litchii infestations. While there was a significant difference in the proportion of erinea among the four treatments, this contrast was not associated with the presence of phytoseiids, suggesting that other factors might have hindered erinea formation on lychee plants. The reasons behind this outcome are further explored and discussed.

Discovery of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia, "Candidatus Rickettsia kedanie," in unfed larval chigger mites, Leptotrombidium scutellare.

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia, the causative agent of SFG rickettsiosis, is predominantly carried by ticks, whereas Orientia tsutusgamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus, is primarily transmitted by chigger mites in Japan. In this study, we attempted to isolate intracellular eubacteria from Leptotrombidium scutellare, a major vector of O. tsutsugamushi; moreover, we isolated an SFG rickettsia using a mosquito-derived cell line. Draft genome sequences of this unique isolate, by applying criteria for species delimitation, classified this isolate as a novel strain, proposed as "Rickettsia kedanie." Further genetic analysis identified conserved virulence factors, and the isolate successfully propagated in mammalian cells, suggesting its ability to cause diseases in humans. The presence of SFG rickettsia in unfed larvae implies potential dual-pathogen carriage and reflects a symbiotic relationship similar to that between the mites and O. tsutsugamushi, indicating possibility of its transovarial transmission from female adults. Furthermore, conserved genomic similarity of the novel isolate to known SFG rickettsia suggests potential multiple hosts, including chiggers and ticks. In the natural environment, ticks, chigger mites, and wild animals may carry new isolates, complicating the infection cycle and increasing the transmission risks to humans. This discovery challenges the conventional association of SFG rickettsia with ticks, emphasizing its implications for research and disease control. However, this study was confined to a particular species of chigger mites and geographic area, underscoring the necessity for additional studies to comprehend the ecological dynamics, host interactions, and health implications linked to this newly identified SFG rickettsia.

Do Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) mite flows between Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies bias colony infestation evaluation for resistance selection?

Since the global invasion of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), selection of mite-resistant honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies appears challenging and has to date not broadly reduced colony mortality. The low published estimated heritability values for mite infestation levels could explain the limited genetic progresses obtained so far. We hypothesize that intercolonial horizontal mite transmission could differentially affect the single colonies located in a given apiary and therefore invisibly bias colony infestation phenotypes. This bias may be lower in regions with lower colony density, providing suitable conditions to set up evaluation apiaries. To verify these hypotheses, we monitored mite infestation and reinvasion in experimental colonies, as well as infestation in neighboring colonies belonging to beekeepers in three areas with variable colony densities in the canton of Bern, Switzerland during three consecutive beekeeping seasons. Mite immigration fluctuated between apiaries and years and significantly contributed to colony infestation level. Depending on apiary and year, 17-48% of the mites present in the experimental colonies at the time of the summer oxalic acid final treatment potentially derived from mite immigration that had occurred since mid-spring. Mite immigration was not linked to local colony density or the infestation levels of beekeepers' colonies located within 2 km. Our results do not prove that apiaries for colony evaluation should necessarily be established in areas with low colony density. However, they highlight the high impact of beekeeping management practices on mite colony infestation levels.

Glycosylation mode of phloretin affects the morphology and stress resistance of apple plant.

Phloretin has different glycosylation modes in plants. Phlorizin (phloretin 2'-O-glucoside) is one of the glycosylation products of phloretin, and accumulates abundantly in apple plants. However, it is still unclear whether phlorizin is more beneficial for apple plants compared with other glycosylation products of phloretin. We created transgenic apple plants with different glycosylation modes of phloretin. In transgenic plants, the accumulation of phlorizin was partly replaced by that of trilobatin (phloretin 4'-O-glucoside) or phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glycoside. Compared with wild type, transgenic plants with less phlorizin showed dwarf phenotype, larger stomatal size, higher stomatal density and less tolerance to drought stress. Transcriptome and phytohormones assay indicate that phlorizin might regulate stomatal development and behaviour via controlling auxin and abscisic acid signalling pathways as well as carbonic anhydrase expressions. Transgenic apple plants with less phlorizin also showed less resistance to spider mites. Apple plants may hydrolyse phlorizin to produce phloretin, but cannot hydrolyse trilobatin or phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glycoside. Compared with its glycosylation products, phloretin is more toxic to spider mites. These results suggest that the glycosylation of phloretin to produce phlorizin is the optimal glycosylation mode in apple plants, and plays an important role in apple resistance to stresses.

Phytoseiid mites benefited from organic fertilization by increasing the population of Tyrophagus mites in apple orchards.

This study explores sustainable agricultural practices by examining the role of organic materials in enhancing native predatory mites for controlling spider mites in apple orchards. Developing techniques to conserve indigenous natural enemies is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Phytoseiid mites can control spider mites, which are among the most significant pests in apple production. To conserve phytoseiid mite populations, it is important to identify alternative prey and to determine their role in phytoseiid mite proliferation. We demonstrated that the concurrent use of specific organic fertilizers and coconut husks can increase prey Tyrophagus mites, thereby enhancing phytoseiid mite density. Our research was conducted using sticky traps at the Miyagi Prefectural Agriculture and Horticulture Research Center in Japan. The occurrence of Tyrophagus mites was significantly correlated with the occurrence of phytoseiid mites in 2 years. In laboratory experiments, the use of organic fertilizers increased the density of Tyrophagus mites by 83 × within 4 weeks. Several species of phytoseiid mites were able to lay between 0.25 and 1.03 eggs per day per female by preying on Tyrophagus larvae. A 2-year field survey revealed that the use of organic fertilizers more than doubled the density of phytoseiid mites on apple leaves, likely through promoting Tyrophagus mite proliferation on the ground. These results highlight the potential of organic fertilizers not only to enhance soil nutrients, but also to boost phytoseiid mite populations, thereby contributing to more sustainable apple production.

A novel dose-adjustment protocol for interrupted subcutaneous immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a new protocol for adjusting doses during interrupted subcutaneous immunotherapy maintenance, exceeding an 8-week interval, with mite allergen injections in children with allergic rhinitis. Patients & methods: 194 children with allergic rhinitis who underwent subcutaneous immunotherapy and experienced interruptions lasting more than 8 weeks during maintenance were enrolled. Following the adoption of a novel dose-adjustment protocol, a real-world study was conducted. Results: After 3 years of subcutaneous immunotherapy, the novel group exhibited a significant reduction in allergy symptoms compared with baseline. Systemic reactions related to the novel protocol did not significantly increase. Conclusion: The novel protocol was deemed safe and effective, offering advantages of time savings and reduced burdens.

There is a main treatment for allergic rhinitis. it is with regular shots of a special medicine made from dust mite allergen. Patients need to take these shots in their arm for 3 years. The shot is given once a week for 14 weeks at first; then the frequency can be reduced to every 5 weeks. However, if a patient misses their scheduled shot, they may have to start getting weekly shots again. This can lead to a lot of medical waste and can be expensive for patients. Therefore, we developed a new way to give these shots. In our study, patients who needed to start weekly shots again were administered this new treatment plan. The new plan significantly reduced the number of doctor's visits and shots. This new treatment method is safe, cost-effective and patient-friendly.

Monensin Suppresses Multiple Features of House Dust Mite-Induced Experimental Asthma in Mice.

Despite intense efforts to develop efficient therapeutic regimes for asthma, there is a large demand for novel treatment strategies in this disease. Here we evaluated the impact of monensin, a drug with potent anti-mast cell effects, in a mouse model of asthma. Allergic airway inflammation was induced by sensitization of mice with house dust mite (HDM) antigen, and effects of monensin on airway hyperreactivity and inflammatory parameters were studied. Following intraperitoneal administration, monensin did not suppress airway hyperreactivity but was shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, as manifested by reduced eosinophil- and lymphocyte infiltration into the airway lumen, and by suppressed inflammation of the lung tissue. After intranasal instillation, monensin exhibited similar anti-inflammatory effects as seen after intraperitoneal administration. Moreover, intranasally administered monensin was demonstrated to suppress goblet cell hyperplasia, and to cause a reduction in the expression of genes coding for key inflammatory markers. Further, monensin blocked mast cell degranulation in the airways of allergen-sensitized mice. Together, this study reveals that monensin has the capacity to suppress key pathological events associated with allergic airway inflammation.

High Serum Allergen-Specific IgE of House Dust Mite in Predicting the Risk of Comorbidity in Children with Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Purpose: To investigate the patterns of allergens in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and the association with allergic comorbidity. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 2972 children with AC. Clinical data, including sex, age, allergic comorbidities (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis), and serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), were collected from the electronic medical record (EMR). The categorical variables were compared with the chi-square test. The characteristics of allergens in children of different ages and comorbidities were analyzed by trend chi-square. The sensitivity level of HDM associated with AC and comorbidities was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals of logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 2972 children (2015 boys and 957 girls) with AC were included in the study. The mean age was 3.78 (0.5~12) years. The most common allergen was house dust mite(HDM) (43.41%). With age, the positive rate for inhaled allergens gradually increased, and the positive rate for ingested allergens decreased. With the number of comorbidities increasing, the positive rates of sensitization were 38.33%, 74.51%, 80.72%, and 89.05%, and the incidence of polysensitization was 44.66%, 56.48%, 59.54%, and 74.59%, respectively. With the increase of HDM-sIgE level, the number of comorbidities and the risk increased gradually. Conclusion: HDM is the most common allergen in AC children of different ages. High levels of HDM-sIgE may be a predictor for allergic comorbidities. Children with polysensitization and high levels of HDM sIgE will be an important target population for future intervention in other allergy-related disease prevention.

Beyond the Surface: Understanding Demodex and Its Link to Blepharitis and Facial Dermatoses.

Demodex represents the most frequent ectoparasite found in humans. Although Demodex mites are considered commensals of human pilosebaceous units, an abnormally high mite density can cause several ocular and cutaneous symptoms and signs, sometimes to a severe degree. Both Demodex spp. (folliculorum and brevis) play a significant part in eye pathology and facial dermatoses. These mites have been related to blepharitis, ocular rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction and various skin diseases, including rosacea, demodicosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Understanding the importance of Demodex in both eye and skin conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies, which may involve targeted treatments to control the mite population and reduce associated symptoms.

[Molecular allergen IgE tests show neosensitizaions occurring during house dust mite specific immunotherapy].

Objective:Neosensitizations may be occur during the allergen specific immunotherapy（AIT） due to the differences between allergen vaccine's content and a patient's molecular sensitization profile. This study investigates whether AIT with HDM extract changes the sensitization profile, whether de novo sensitization occurs, and the clinical importance of the neosensitization. Methods:Fifty-three patients with HDM allergic rhinitis ,with/without asthma, patients were received one year HDM subcutaneous AIT . Fourteen patients were recruited as control group and received only necessary medications. Serum samples were collected at baseline, 6thmoths and 12thof AIT, respectively. Serum samples were tested specific IgE against Der p, Der p 1/2/3 and Der f, Der f 1/2/3, as well as IgG4 against Der p, Der p 1/2 and Der f, Der f 1/2. VAS were collected at the time-points as well. Results:In AIT group, Der p, Der p 1/3, and Der f 1/3 specific IgE levels were significantly higher after one-year treatment, especially for Der p 3. There were 69.2%（18/26） patients whose Der p 3 specific IgE below 0.35 kU/L at baseline but became positive（>0.35 kU/L） after treatment, that is, neosensitization occurred. All tested allergen specific IgG4 level significantly increased after one year AIT treatment and the VAS declined dramatically. However, for patients with neosensitization and without neosensitization, there were no significantly changes concerning to IgG4 level and VAS. Conclusion:Patients undergoing AIT might have a risk of neosensitization to the allergen components in the vaccines. However, the clinical importance of the neosensitization remains unclear and warrants further studies.

Frequency of Euroglyphus maynei sensitization in respiratory allergies: a real-life study with bioinformatic analysis and geographical exploration of allergen prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae belong to the family Pyroglyphidae (subfamily: "Dermatophagoidinae") and have the respective allergenic proteins of Der p1, Der p2, and Der p23 and Der f1 and Der f2. Euroglyphus maynei, belongs to the family Pyroglyphidae (subfamily: "Pyroglyphinae") and its main allergenic protein is Eur m1, a source of sensitization. Sensitization to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae is assessed through skin tests, while sensitization to E. maynei is assessed less frequently. OBJECTIVE: This experimental work aims to analyze the prevalence of sensitization to E. maynei in patients with respiratory allergies treated at M. Albanesi Allergy and Immunology Unit in Bari, Italy, and the sequence homology of major allergenic proteins of E. maynei with D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus was analyzed. METHODS: In this real-life study, 65 patients were enrolled. In particular, patients with respiratory allergy were subjected to skin prick tests for common respiratory allergens, including Euroglyphus maynei. The sequence homology analysis was performed between the major allergenic proteins of E. maynei and those of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae. RESULTS: Sensitization to E. maynei accounts for 41.5% of patients. All patients with E. maynei sensitization had concomitant sensitization to D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus. The analysis of sequence homology of Der p1 and Der f1 proteins with the sequence of Eur m1 protein demonstrated an identity of 84.4% and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 50% of house dust mites-sensitized patients have a concomitant sensitization to E. maynei. The cross-sensitization could be due to Der f1, Der p1, and Eur m1 similarity.

The First Report of a Water Mite Unionicola (Trombidiformes: Unionicolidae) Infection in Filopaludina spp. (Gastropoda: Viviparidae) from Thailand with a Description of a New Species of Unionicola (Polyatax) kasetbangkhenensis sp. nov.

Two species of gastropods, Filopaludina sumatrensis polygramma and F. martensi martensi, were found infested with water mites of the genus Unionicola in Bangkok and Nonthaburi provinces, Thailand. Morphological studies on these water mites, based on the characteristics of their genital acetabular and female genital fields, identified them as a new member of subgenus Polyatax. Unionicola (Polyatax) kasetbangkhenensis sp. nov. was named after the first location where this parasitic water mite was discovered. This species is distinguished from others by the pattern of their female genital field, with their anterior acetabular plates each bearing two acetabula and a short thick spine on the inner margin. Additionally, it differs from other species by the structure of the spines in its pedipalps and legs, as well as in the shapes of its coxal plates.

Obesity Enhances Non-Th2 Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma.

Obese patients with asthma present with aggravated symptoms that are also harder to treat. Here, we used a mouse model of allergic asthma sensitised and challenged to house dust mite (HDM) extracts to determine whether high-fat-diet consumption would exacerbate the key features of allergic airway inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were intranasally sensitised and challenged with HDM extracts over a duration of 3 weeks. The impact of high-fat-diet (HFD) vs. normal diet (ND) chow was studied on HDM-induced lung inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration as well as cytokine production. HFD-fed mice had greater inflammatory cell infiltration around airways and blood vessels, and an overall more severe degree of inflammation than in the ND-fed mice (semiquantitative blinded evaluation). Quantitative assessment of HDM-associated Th2 responses (numbers of lung CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, serum levels of allergen-specific IgE as well as the expression of Th2 cytokines (Il5 and Il13)) did not show significant changes between the HFD and ND groups. Interestingly, the HFD group exhibited a more pronounced neutrophilic infiltration within their lung tissues and an increase in non-Th2 cytokines (Il17, Tnfa, Tgf-b, Il-1b). These findings provide additional evidence that obesity triggered by a high-fat-diet regimen may exacerbate asthma by involving non-Th2 and neutrophilic pathways.

Mite non-reproduction is not a consequence of the brood removal behavior of varroa sensitive hygiene honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera).

A sustainable solution to the global threat of the Varroa destructor mite is the selection of varroa-resistant honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Both "mite non-reproduction" (MNR) and "varroa sensitive hygiene" (VSH) appear to be promising selection traits for achieving the goal of a resistant honey bee. MNR describes colonies that have a high number of non-reproductive mites (no offspring, no males, or delayed development of mite offspring). High numbers of non-reproductive mites have been observed in selected colonies, but the mechanism behind this trait has not yet been identified. The specialized hygienic behavior of selected honey bees, called VSH, is the removal of varroa-infested brood. These traits were thought to be linked by VSH bees preferentially removing reproductive varroa females leaving only non-reproductive mites behind in cells and thus creating colonies with high levels of MNR. To further investigate this link, we used an experimental setup and data sets from a four-year selection project designed to breed for MNR and VSH colonies. In addition, we sought to answer the question of whether non-reproductive mites are a direct consequence of worker removal behavior. To test this, we artificially induced removal behavior, and after providing the mite with enough time to re-enter another cell, we opened all capped cells, relocated the mites, and evaluated their reproduction. As shown in previous studies and in this study, VSH had no effect on MNR levels. Also, the induced removal behavior did not lead to non-reproduction in the subsequent reproductive cycle post interruption. We thus concluded that breeding for non-reproductive mites does not automatically breed for VSH behavior and worker removal behavior does not cause subsequent reproductive failure of the mites forced to flee and find a new cell for reproduction.

Impact of Aeroallergen Sensitization on Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of aeroallergens on the development and progression of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with a focus on the specific associations between aeroallergens and CRS according to allergen type, number, and extent of sensitization. METHODS: The medical records of 256 CRS patients were retrospectively analyzed. All were divided into nonallergic, house dust mite (HDM)-allergic, pollen-allergic, and double allergic groups via specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. Clinical characteristics, computed tomography (CT) scores, olfactory functions, and demographic data were compared. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the extent of allergen sensitization and CRS severity. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for hyposmia and anosmia. RESULTS: The allergic group exhibited higher total CT scores than the nonallergic group (P = 0.001). Sensitivity to HDM or pollen allergens alone was not significantly associated with increased CRS severity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of HDM and pollen allergens on CRS severity. However, the double allergic group exhibited significantly higher CT scores (P < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.003) than the other groups. Although the prevalence rates of anosmia and hyposmia were notably higher in the double allergic group, the difference was not statistically significant. The maximum specific IgE levels to HDM and pollen allergens positively correlated with the CT scores (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Allergen sensitization, particularly to multiple common allergens, contributed to CRS severity. CRS patients sensitized to both HDM and pollen allergens tended to experience the diminished olfactory function. These findings underscore the importance of considering the allergen sensitization pattern when assessing CRS severity and its potential progression.