Temporal Dynamics of Airborne Concentrations of Ganoderma Basidiospores and Their Relationship with Environmental Conditions in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis).

Basal Stem Rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma spp., is one of the most important emerging diseases of oil palm in Colombia and is so far restricted to only two producing areas in the country. However, despite the controls established to prevent its spread to new areas, containment has not been possible. This study aimed to understand BSR's propagation mechanisms and related environmental conditions by measuring Ganoderma basidiospores' concentrations at various heights using four 7-day Burkard volumetric samplers in a heavily affected plantation. Meteorological data, including solar radiation, temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, were also recorded. Analysis revealed higher basidiospore concentrations below 4 m, peaking at 02:00 h, with increased levels towards the study's end. Spore concentrations were not directly influenced by temperature, humidity, or precipitation, but showed higher releases during drier periods. A significant correlation was found between wind speed and spore concentration, particularly below 1.5 m/s, though higher speeds might aid long-distance pathogen spread. This study highlights the complexity of BSR propagation and the need for continued monitoring and research to manage its impact on Colombia's oil palm industry.

[Initial study of trap and identification of environmental pollens and fungi spores in Samborondon, Ecuador]. / Estudio inicial de captación e identificación de pólenes y hongos ambientales en Samborondón, Ecuador.

OBJETIVO: To identify and registry the most important aeroallergens trapped at the aerobiology station in the city of Samborondon, Ecuador. METHODS: Pollen grains and fungal spore counts were performed according to the standardized technique with a Hirst-type collection equipment, Burkard spore trap for seven days, following the recommendations of the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The equipment was installed on the roof of the Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo (UEES), 25 m above ground level, coordinates: 2°07 ́57 ́ ́S 79°52 ́06 ́ ́W, in the city of Samborondon. The sampling period was performed from November 2022 to April 2023. RESULTS: We identified the following pollen families: Poaceae (258 grains/m3), Apocynaceae (Plumeria rubra pc) (214 grains/m3), Lamiaceae (180 grains/m3), Asteraceae Ambrosía spp.- (60 grains/m3), Chenopodiacea (27 grains/m3), Myrtaceae (17 grains/m3), Pinaceae (11 grains/m3), Betulaceae (7 grains/m3). Also identified fungical spores: Fuzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. (1899/m3), Cladosporium spp. (1407/m3), Nigrospora spp. (1183/m3), Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. (329/m3), Alternaria spp. (98/m3), Pithomyces spp. (79/m3), Curvularia spp. (48/m3), Stemphylium spp. (46/m3). CONCLUSIONS: We reported the first study of aerobiology (capture and identification of environmental pollens and fungi) in the city of Samborondon. The inhabitants of this area are exposed to different aeroallergens with a predominance of Poaceaes pollen and Fuzzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. spores. The identified allergens should be part of the usual allergy studies. The results of this first preliminary study should be compared with information from the forthcoming years, which will help to identify variations in the concentration of seasonal aeroallergens, annual fluctuations, and extend the traps to other parts of the city.

OBJETIVO: Identificar y registrar los aeroalérgenos más importantes captados en la estación de aerobiología en la ciudad de Samborondón, Ecuador. MÉTODOS: Los conteos de granos de polen y esporas de hongos se realizaron según la técnica estandarizada, con un equipo colector tipo Hirst, Burkard spore trap for seven days, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la National Allergy Bureau (NAB) de la American Academy Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). El equipo se instaló en la azotea de la Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), en la ciudad de Samborondón, a 25 m de altura desde el nivel del suelo, 2°07´57´´S 79°52´06´´O. El periodo de captación se llevó a cabo entre noviembre de 2022 y abril de 2023. RESULTADOS: Identificamos las siguientes familias polínicas: Poaceae (258 granos/m3), Apocynaceae (Plumeria rubra pc) (214 granos/m3), Lamiaceae (180 granos/m3), Asteraceae Ambrosía spp.- (60 granos/m3), Chenopodiacea (27 granos/m3), Myrtaceae (17 granos/m3), Pinaceae (11 granos/m3), Betulaceae (7 granos/m3). Además esporas fúngicas: Fuzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. (1899/m3), Cladosporium spp. (1407/m3), Nigrospora spp. (1183/m3), Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. (329/m3), Alternaria spp. (98/m3), Pithomyces spp. (79/m3), Curvularia spp. (48/m3), Stemphylium spp. (46/m3). CONCLUSIONES: Se reporta el primer estudio de aerobiología (captación e identificación de pólenes y hongos ambientales), en la ciudad de Samborondón. Los habitantes de esta zona están expuestos a diferentes aeroalérgenos con predominancia al polen de Poaceaes y esporas de Fuzzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. Los alérgenos identificados deberían formar parte de los estudios alergológicos habituales. Los resultados de este primer estudio preliminar deberían ser comparados con información de los siguientes años para ayudar a identificar las variaciones de concentración de aeroalérgenos estacionales, las fluctuaciones anuales, y extender los captadores a otros puntos de la ciudad.

[Identification and sensitization to environmental fungal spores in Lima City, Peru]. / Identificación y sensibilización a hongos ambientales en Lima, Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and registry the most important fungal spores trapped in our aerobiology station, as well as to report the prevalence of skin sensitization to these allergens. METHODS: The pollen counts were made according to standardized technique with a Burkard seven days spore trap, following the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) through National Allergy Bureau (NAB) recommendations. The trap was installed on the roof of Clinica SANNA, El GOLF, San Isidro, which is 20 m high, 12°5'54"S 77°3'6"W in the west-south of the Lima urban area. The sampling period was performed from September 2020 to October 2021. Skin prick tests were carried out according to the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) in 200 patients (18 to 60 years old) with symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma, who were evaluated in the Allergology Service of Clinica SANNA el Golf. Allergenic extracts were applied, dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis), cat and dog danders, cockroach (Periplaneta americana), grass 6 mix, weed mix, molds (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum, Nigrospora spp.), INMUNOTEK-Spain provided the extracts. We also tested other fungal allergens such as Fusarium spp, Stemphylium spp, Curvularia spp, a mixture of Helmintosporum/Dreschlera spp. from the DIATER-Argentina laboratory. RESULTS: We identified spores of Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium spp., Nigrospora spp., Stemphylium spp., Fusarium spp., Curvularia spp., Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. The patients showed sensitization to Cladosporium herbarum (14%), Fusarium spp. (13,5%), Nigrospora spp. (8%), Alternaria Alternata (7%), Stemphylium (6%), Dreschlera/Helmintosporium spp. (5,5%), Curvularia spp. (3%), Aspergillus fumigatus (2,5%). CONCLUSIONS: The inhabitants of the south-western area of the urban city of Lima are exposed to different fungal spores with allergenic potential, with a higher concentration being identified during the summer/autumn months. Cutaneous sensitization is demonstrated in variable percentages to the fungal spores identified in this aerobiological sampling. The results of this study should be expanded and compared with data in the forthcoming years, identify seasonal and annual fluctuations and extend the traps to other locations in Lima.

OBJETIVO: Identificar y registrar las esporas de hongos más importantes captadas en nuestra estación de aerobiología, además reportar la prevalencia de sensibilización cutánea a estos alérgenos. MÉTODOS: La identificación y los conteos de esporas de hongos se realizaron según la técnica estandarizada con un equipo colector Burkard Spore Trap For Seven Days, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la National Allergy Bureau (NAB), de la American Academy Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). El equipo se instaló a 20 m de altura desde el nivel del suelo, en la azotea de la Clínica SANNA El Golf, distrito de San Isidro, (12°5'54"S 77°3'6"O), en la zona sur-oeste del área urbana de Lima. El periodo de captación se llevó a cabo entre septiembre de 2020 y octubre de 2021. Se realizaron estudios de pruebas cutáneas (skin prick-test), según recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica (SEAIC), en 200 pacientes (entre 18 y 60 años), con sintomatología de rinoconjuntivitis y/o asma. Fueron evaluados en el servicio de Alergología de la Clínica SANNA El Golf. Se aplicaron extractos alergénicos de ácaros del polvo (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis), epitelios de gato y perro, Periplaneta americana, mezclas de seis gramíneas, mezclas de malezas, hongos ambientales (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum, Nigrospora spp.), extractos del laboratorio INMUNOTEK-España. Además, testeamos otros alérgenos fúngicos de Fusarium spp, Stemphylium spp, Curvularia spp, una mezcla de Helmintosporum/Dreschlera spp. del laboratorio DIATER-Argentina. RESULTADOS: Identificamos esporas de Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium spp., Nigrospora spp., Stemphylium spp., Fusarium spp., Curvularia spp., Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. Los pacientes mostraron sensibilización a Cladosporium herbarum (14%), Fusarium spp. (13,5%), Nigrospora spp. (8%), Alternaria Alternata (7%), Stemphylium (6%), Dreschlera/Helmintosporium spp. (5,5%), Curvularia spp. (3%) y Aspergillus fumigatus (2,5%). CONCLUSIONES: Los habitantes de la zona sur-oeste de la ciudad urbana de Lima están expuestos a distintas esporas de hongos con potencial alergénico, identificándose mayor concentración durante los meses de verano y otoño. Se demuestra sensibilización cutánea en porcentajes variables a las esporas fúngicas identificadas en este muestreo aerobiológico. Los resultados de este estudio deberían ampliarse y ser comparados con data en los años siguientes, identificar fluctuaciones estacionales y anuales y extender los captadores a otras locaciones en Lima.

Microbial composition of Saharan dust plumes deposited as red rain in Granada (Southern Spain).

During durst storms, also biological material is transported from arid areas such as the Sahara Desert. In the present work, rain samples containing significant amounts of mineral dust have been collected in Granada during different red rain episodes. Biological features (bacteria, biofilm, pollen grain and fungal spore) as well as size-particle distribution and mineralogical composition were studied by SEM. Nanobacteria were observed for the first time in red rain samples. A preliminary metabarcoding analysis was performed on three red rain samples. Here, Bacillota made up 18 % and Pseudomonadota 23 % of the whole prokaryotic community. The fungal community was characterized by a high abundance of Ascomycota and, dependent on the origin, the presence of Chytridiomycota. By means of 16S rRNA sequencing, 18 cultivable microorganisms were identified. In general, members of the phyla Pseudomonadota and Bacillota made up the majority of taxa. Some species, such as Peribacillus frigoritolerans and Bacillus halotolerans were isolated during three different red rain episodes. Generally, red rain carries a wide variety of microorganisms, being their ecosystem and health effects largely unknown.

Five-year airborne pollen calendar for a Sonoran Desert city and the relationships with meteorological variability.

Aerobiological studies are still scarce in northwestern Mexico where allergenic pollen have great impacts on health. Current global pollution and climate change problems are closely related to many allergic diseases, enhancing the need to continue researching these issues and improve life quality. This study provides the first Pollen Calendar for Hermosillo, Sonora, México. Airborne pollen were continuously collected for 5 years (2015-2019). The standardized methodology with a Hirst-type spore trap proposed for global aerobiological studies was used. Weather data were also taken from a station located in the city and used to explore correlations between climate and airborne pollen concentrations in different seasons. The most important pollen taxa recorded in air belongs to herbaceous pollen, such as Poaceae, Ambrosia, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, and some shrub trees typical of this arid region, such as Nyctaginaceae, Prosopis, Parkinsonia, and Fabaceae. The most critical herbaceous pollen related to allergies have a long mean pollen season throughout the years, and the most critical periods with high pollen concentration in air occur in two seasons, spring (March-April) and summer-fall (August-October). In these 5 years, the correlation analyses for these two peaks indicate that a link exists between pollen in the air and decreases in precipitation and temperatures, and an increase in relative humidity. An inter-annual variability in pollen concentrations was recorded related to different weather conditions. Although pollen calendars are location-specific, they are useful for future research on biological air quality scenarios in different cities. Using this standardized method for other regions can provide pollen calendars that have been proven clinically important in allergic disease management worldwide.

[Prosopis spp. in allergic diseases]. / Prosopis spp. en enfermedades alérgicas.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate cutaneous reactivity and the participation of Prosopis pollen in patients with allergic diseases who attend the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Service of the General Hospital of Mexico, in Mexico City. METHODS: A retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out by analyzing clinical records that had a complete medical history of patients between the ages of 3 and 79 years, with diagnoses of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and rhinoconjunctivitis. RESULTS: 1285 patients were studied; the frequency of positive skin reactivity for Prosopis was 27.78 %; 82.97 % had a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, 4.39 % had a diagnosis of asthma, and 12.64 % had a diagnosis of rhinoconjunctivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Prosopis pollen plays an important role in diseases of allergic etiology. It is important to consider the antigenic combination with other families such as Chenopodiaceae.

Objetivos: Demostrar la reactividad cutánea y la participación del polen de Prosopis en los pacientes con enfermedades alérgicas que acuden al Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica del Hospital General de México, en la Ciudad de México. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo y transversal de expedientes clínicos que contaran con historia clínica completa, de pacientes entre tres y 79 años de edad con diagnósticos de rinitis, asma y rinoconjuntivitis alérgica. Resultados: Se estudiaron 1285 pacientes. La frecuencia de reactividad cutánea positiva para Prosopis fue de 27.78 %; 82.97 % cursaba con diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica, 4.39 % de asma y 12.64 % de rinoconjuntivitis. Conclusión: El polen de Prosopis participa importantemente en enfermedades de etiología alérgica. Es importante considerar el cruce antigénico con otras familias como las Chenopodiaceas.

Aerobiología de polen del olivo en las ciudades de Tacna y Arica y su relación con las enfermedades alérgicas respiratorias / Olive pollen aerobiology in Tacna and Arica cities and it is relation with the allergic respiratory diseases

Medir la concentración del polen en la atmósfera se ha convertido en objeto de interés a nivel mundial debido al aumento de las enfermedades alérgicas, ya que en muchas personas es causa de polinosis. Objetivos: se centró en la elaboración de un calendario de polen del olivo, basado en medir su concentración en las ciudades de Tacna (desde 2015 al 2018) y Arica (periodo 2018), y determinar la prevalencia de resultados positivos para extracto alergénico de polen del olivo en pacientes con síntomas de rinitis y/o asma provenientes de las ciudades de Tacna y Arica (periodo 2015-2018). Métodos: Se midió la concentración de polen, mediante el método volumétrico tipo Hirst, según estándares establecidos por el comité de aerobiología de la Sociedad Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica (SEAIC). Se incluyó una muestra total de 350 sujetos con síntomas respiratorios (200 de Tacna y 150 de Arica). Resultados: En Tacna, en 2015, 2016, 2017 y 2018, la concentración máxima de polen de olivo fue de 246 granos/m3 ; 110 granos/m3 ; 78 granos/ m3 y 688 granos/m3 respectivamente. En Arica en 2018, la concentración máxima de polen del olivo fue de 318 granos/ m3 . Se encontró que un 34% (68/200) y un 28% (42/150) de sujetos con síntomas respiratorios estaban sensibilizados u obtuvieron pruebas positivas al extracto de polen del olivo en sujetos de las ciudades de Tacna y Arica respectivamente. Conclusión: En ambas ciudades las concentraciones máximas de polen del olivo se encontraron principalmente entre los meses de septiembre a noviembre, siendo octubre el mes de mayores conteos. Se identificó sujetos alérgicos por test cutáneo al polen del olivo en las ciudades de Tacna y Arica.

The measurement of the concentration of pollen in the atmosphere has become an object of interest worldwide for the increase of allergy diseases, since in many people it is the cause of pollinosis. Objectives: focused on the elaboration of a calendar of olive tree pollen based on the measurement of the pollen concentration in Tacna (since 2015 to 2018) and Arica (period 2018) cities, and to determine the prevalence of positive results for allergenic extract of olive pollen in patients with symptoms of rhinitis and / or asthma, who came from Tacna and Arica cities (period 2015 to 2018). Methods. The pollen concentration was measured using the volumetric method according to standards established by the Aerobiology Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), we included 350 subjects (200 from Tacna and 150 from Arica). Results: In Tacna, in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the maximum concentration of olive pollen was 246 grains/m3; 110 grains/m3; 78 grains/m3 and 688 grains/m3 respectively. In Arica in 2018, the maximum concentration of olive pollen was 318 grains/m3. We found 34% (68/200) and 28% (42/150) were sensitized or results positive test to the olive pollen extract in subjects with respiratory symptoms from Tacna and Arica cities respectively. Conclusion: The olive pollen in the atmosphere of Tacna and Arica is mainly concentrated in the months of September to November, being October the month with higher count. Allergic subjects were identified by skin test to olive pollen in Tacna and Arica cities.

QuEChER method for air microbiological monitoring in hospital environments.

INTRODUCTION: Nosocomial pathogens have become a priority issue for public health, since they are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and the development of multi-resistant microorganisms, as well. Recent studies found strong evidence that airborne transmission plays a key role in many nosocomial infections. Thus, we aim to develop a QuEChER methodology for the characterization of airborne microbial levels, analyzing potential variables that modify the air microbiological load. METHODOLOGY: Particulate matter levels and suspended and settled bioaerosols were determined simultaneously employing optical sensors, Harvard impactors and settle plates, respectively. Environmental variables were also measured at different sites during different working shifts and seasons. RESULTS: We found a straightforward relationship between airborne particles, air exchange rates, and people influx. Levels of suspended microorganisms were related to fine particulate matter concentration, CO2 and ambient temperature. A positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.9356) was also found between fine particulate matter and CO2 levels and air microbial load. CONCLUSION: The QuEChER methodology is an effective methodology that could be used to improve the surveillance of nosocomial pathogens in developing countries hospitals where air quality is scarcely controlled.

Hourly and daily changes on airborne urediniospores of Phakopsora pachyrhizi / Variação horária e diária de urediniosporos de phak opsora pachyrhizi no ar

The Asian rust (Phakopsorapachyrhizi) is one of the most destructive diseases of soybean in Brazil. Despite its importance, little is known about the airborne inoculum production dynamics of pathogen throughout the soybean cycle in Brazil. The objective of this study was to assess the temporal variation of air collected P. pachyrhizi urediniospores using a Burkard 7-day-spore-trap during 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, from November to March of each soybean (MSoy-8001) growing season. The disease severity wasquantified on soybean planted in October 18, 2006 and in October 30, 2007. From November/06 through March/07 were collected over 175,000 urediniospores, and, over 131,000 from November/07 to March/08. In 06-07, most of the spores were collected from January 9, 2007 through February 1st, 2007 (±3,000 urediniospores day-1), and, in 07-08 most urediniospores was collected from February 8, 2008 throughout March 2, 2008 (±2,000 urediniospores day-1). The maximum amount of urediniospores collected in a single day in 06-07 (±15,000; 1/25/2007) was higher than in 07-08 (±12,000; 2/13/2008). In both soybean growing seasons most of the hourly urediniospores was collected from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm and the highest number from December to March, was at 3:00 pm (±16,000 in 06-07 and ±14,000 in 07-08). The disease started earlier in 2006-07 [38 days after planting (DAP)] than in 07-08 (58 DAP). The amount of collected airborne spores was positively correlated to disease severity, leaf wetness, and, precipitation along both soybean growing seasons. However, during a 24h-day evaluation, the major amount of hourly collected spores was negatively correlated to the leaf wetness and air relative humidity.

A ferrugem asiática (Phakopsorapachyrhizi) é uma das doenças mais destrutivas de soja no Brasil. Apesar de sua importância, pouco é conhecido sobre a dinâmica de distribuição de inóculo no ar do patógeno em todo o ciclo da soja no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a variação temporal deurediniósporos de P. pachyrhizi coletados do ar com uma armadilha de esporos Burkard de 7 dias de captura em 2006-2007 e 2007-2008, durante o cultivo da soja (cv. MSoy-8001) entre novembro e março. A severidade da doença foi quantificada em soja plantada em 18 de outubro de 2006 e em 30 de outubro de 2007. De novembro/06 até março/07 foram coletados mais de 175.000 urediniósporos, e, mais de 131.000 de novembro/07 a março/08. Em 06 / 07, a maioria dos esporos foram coletada de 9 de janeiro de 2007 a 1º. de fevereiro de 2007 (± 3.000 urediniósporos dia-1), e, em 07-08 a maioria dos urediniósporos foi coletada entre 8 de fevereiro de 2008 e 2 de março de 2008 (±2,000 uredosporo dia-1). A quantidade máxima de urediniósporos coletados em um único dia em 06-07 (±15,000; 25/1/2007) foi superior a 07-08 (±12,000; 13/2/2008). Em ambas as safras de soja a maioria dos urediniósporos em cada hora foi coletado entre 10:00 e 18:00 de dezembro a março e o maior número foi às 15:00 (±16,000 em 06-07 e ±14,000 em 07-08). A doença inicioumais cedo em 2006-07 [38 dias após o plantio (DAP)] do que em 07-08 (58 DAP). A quantidade de esporos no ar coletados correlacionou-se positivamente a severidade da doença, umidade foliar, e precipitação ao longo de ambos os ciclos de soja. No entanto, durante a avaliação diária, a quantidade de esporos coletados por hora foi negativamente correlacionada com umidade foliar e a umidade relativa do ar.

Survival of Extremophilic Yeasts in the Stratospheric Environment during Balloon Flights and in Laboratory Simulations.

The high-altitude atmosphere is a harsh environment with extremely low temperatures, low pressure, and high UV irradiation. For this reason, it has been proposed as an analogue for Mars, presenting deleterious factors similar to those on the surface of that planet. We evaluated the survival of extremophilic UV-resistant yeasts isolated from a high-elevation area in the Atacama Desert under stratospheric conditions. As biological controls, intrinsically resistant Bacillus subtilis spores were used. Experiments were performed in two independent stratospheric balloon flights and with an environmental simulation chamber. The three following different conditions were evaluated: (i) desiccation, (ii) desiccation plus exposure to stratospheric low pressure and temperature, and (3) desiccation plus exposure to the full stratospheric environment (UV, low pressure, and temperature). Two strains, Naganishia (Cryptococcus) friedmannii 16LV2 and Exophiala sp. strain 15LV1, survived full exposures to the stratosphere in larger numbers than did B. subtilis spores. Holtermanniella watticus (also known as Holtermanniella wattica) 16LV1, however, suffered a substantial loss in viability upon desiccation and did not survive the stratospheric UV exposure. The remarkable resilience of N. friedmannii and Exophiala sp. 15LV1 under the extreme Mars-like conditions of the stratosphere confirms its potential as a eukaryotic model for astrobiology. Additionally, our results with N. friedmannii strengthen the recent hypothesis that yeasts belonging to the Naganishia genus are fit for aerial dispersion, which might account for the observed abundance of this species in high-elevation soils.IMPORTANCE Studies of eukaryotic microorganisms under conditions of astrobiological relevance, as well as the aerial dispersion potential of extremophilic yeasts, are still lacking in the literature compared to works with bacteria. Using stratospheric balloon flights and a simulation chamber, we demonstrate that yeasts isolated from an extreme environment are capable of surviving all stressors found in the stratosphere, including intense UV irradiation, scoring an even higher survival than B. subtilis spores. Notably, the yeast N. friedmannii, which displayed one of the highest tolerances to the stratospheric environment in the experiments, was recently proposed to be adapted to airborne transportation, although such a hypothesis had not yet been tested. Our results strengthen such an assumption and can help explain the observed distribution and ecology of this particular yeast species.

Behaviour of Quercus pollen in the air, determination of its sources and transport through the atmosphere of Mexico City and conurbated areas.

Pollen allergies have a remarkable clinical impact all over world. Quercus pollen is the main allergen in many parts of world. Due to the health impacts caused by exposure to oak pollen, the objectives of this study are to characterise the aerobiological behaviour of Quercus pollen and to determine its potential sources as well as their transport through the atmosphere of Mexico City and surrounding areas between January 2012 and June 2015. Airborne Quercus pollen monitoring was carried out simultaneously in five zones of Mexico City. The percentage of Quercus pollen of the total pollen collected from the air showed that the highest concentration was recorded in 2014, followed by 2012. The annual seasonal variation indicated that flowering and pollen emission into the atmosphere began between February and March. The maximum concentration of Quercus pollen was reached at Cuajimalpa. In 2012, the amount of pollen grains was distributed in March and April uniformly, whilst in 2014, the largest amount of pollen was concentrated in March. In 2012 and 2014 (years with the highest pollen concentrations), corresponding intraday variations were quite similar, with a low relative maximum in the morning and the highest concentrations in the evening. The largest values were recorded in 2014, and two processes can explain these. In the afternoon, pollen from secondary forest is carried by southwesterly converging winds, increasing the pollen concentration in Cuajimalpa. In the evening, there is an additional pollen contribution from primary forest via transport by NW winds.

Reproductive biology and pollination ecology of Triplaris gardneriana (Polygonaceae): a case of ambophily in the Brazilian Chaco.

Triplaris gardneriana (Polygonaceae) is a dioecious pioneer tree reported as insect-pollinated, despite possessing traits related to anemophily. Here, we analyse the possible roles of insects and wind on the pollination of this species to establish whether the species is ambophilous. We carried out observations of floral biology, as well as on the frequency and behaviour of pollinators visiting flowers in a population of T. gardneriana in the Chaco vegetation of Brazil. We conducted experimental pollinations to determine the maternal fertility of female plants and whether they were pollen-limited, and we also conducted aerobiological experiments to provide evidence of how environmental factors influence atmospheric pollen dispersal. The population comprised an area of approximately 152.000 m2 and was composed of 603 female and 426 male plants (sex ratio = 0.59:0.41). We observed 48 species of insects visiting flowers of T. gardneriana, of which the bees Scaptotrigona depilis and Apis mellifera scutellata were the most effective pollinators. We recorded pollen grains dispersed by wind on 74% of the glass slides placed on females, located at different distances (1-10 m) from male plants. Airborne pollen concentration was negatively correlated with relative humidity and positively correlated with temperature. Our observations and experimental results provide the first evidence that T. gardneriana is an ambophilous species, with pollen dispersal resulting from both animal and wind pollination. This mixed pollination strategy may be adaptive in T. gardneriana providing reproductive assurance during colonisation of sites with different biotic and abiotic conditions.

Determinación y comparación aerobiológica en tres archivos de la Empresa de Energía de Boyacá, Tunja (Colombia) / Aerobiological cetermination and comparison in three archives of the Empresa de Energia de Boyacá, Tunja (Colombia)

Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio fue determinar las variaciones en la composición y concentración de los agentes aerobiológicos presentes en tres archivos de la Empresa de Energía de Boyacá (EBSA) que pudieran estar causando alergias respiratorias en el personal que trabaja en estas áreas. Materiales y métodos: En el análisis microbiológico del aire se empleó un método de sedimentación usando agar PDA (agar patata-dextrosa) y agar nutritivo, y se registraron datos de temperatura y humedad durante cada toma de muestras, y se recolectaron muestras de polvo para el cultivo de hongos y ácaros. Asimismo, se aplicó una encuesta a los trabajadores con el fin de conocer sintomatología respiratoria sugestiva y se tomaron muestras de fosas nasales. Resultados: Se aisló un promedio de 470,2 UFC/m³, de microorganismos para los tres archivos muestreados. Se identificó 29 géneros, entre bacterias, hongos y levaduras, y una forma fúngica sin identificar, y se apreció una mayor diversidad en las formas fúngicas. Los géneros fúngicos predominantes fueron Cladosporium, Mucor, Penicillium y Alternaria y en menor proporción formas levaduriformes, y se destacó principalmente el género Rhodotorula. Entre las bacterias, los géneros más abundante correspondieron a Pseudomonas, Neisseria y Staphylococcus. De las muestras de fosas nasales se aislaron géneros como Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Mucor y Alternaria. En el análisis realizado en las muestras de polvo recolectadas no se observaron ácaros. No se encontró correlación estadísticamente significativa entre el promedio de unidades formadoras de colonia con temperatura y humedad relativa del ambiente. Conclusiones: La presencia significativa de hongos y bacterias en el ambiente y en fosas nasales que es capaz de afectar la salud del personal que labora en los archivos, y en especial de géneros de hongos que pueden tener implicaciones importantes debido al potencial aumento en la liberación de alérgenos de sus esporas y patogenicidad en individuos inmunocomprometidos.

In indoor and outdoor environments there great quantities of particles suspended in the air, they are the atmospheric aerosol. Between particles of biological origin are bacteria, fungal spores, algae, viruses, protozoa, pollen grains. Many researchers believe that fungi are indicators of the level of bio-pollution and are associated with nonspecific clinical symptoms in stays indoors or sick building syndrome Objective: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the variations in the composition and concentration of the agents aerobiological present in three archives the Boyacá Power Company (EBSA), which could be causing respiratory allergies personnel working in these areas Materials and methods: A gravimetric method was used to perform the microbiological sampling of the air using potato dextrose agar, and agar nutrient, recording temperature and humidity data during each sampling, and collected dust samples for the cultivation of fungi and mites. Also surveyed workers in order to record respiratory symptoms suggestive and sampled the nostrils Results: We isolated an average 470.2 UFC/m³ of microorganisms in the three archives sampled. 29 genera were identified among bacteria, fungi and yeasts, and one non identified structure of fungi, prevalence the more diversity in fungal forms. The predominant fungal genera were Cladosporium, Mucor, Penicillium and Alternaria and to a lesser proportion yeast forms, mainly Rhodotorula genera . Among the bacteria, the most abundant genera corresponded to Pseudomonas, Neisseria, and Staphylococcus. In the samples nostrils were isolated the genera Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Mucor and Alternaria. Not observed mites in the analysis the dust samples. No statistically significant correlation was found between mean colony forming units with temperature and relative humidity. Conclusions: The significant presence of fungi and bacteria in the environment and in nostrils are able to affect the health of working in the archives and special genera of fungi that may have important implications because of the potential increase in the release of allergens of their spores and pathogenicity in immunocompromised individuals.

Aeromicrobiologaa del archivo central de la uniersidad pedagógica y tecnológicca de Colombia (tunja-ooyacá) / Aeromicrobiology of The Central Archive of Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (Tunja-Boyacá)

La calidad del aire de los ambientes internos puede estar influenciada por distintas partículas suspendidas en la atmósfera (polvo, polen, bacterias, hongos, virus) que pueden causar daños a documentos y presentar reacciones alérgicas en personas que trabajan con éstos. Con este trabajo, se identificaron hasta género los microorganismos presentes en el ambiente del archivo central, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, que podrían causar alergias respiratorias en los trabajadores de esta área. Para las muestras de ambiente se empleó el método de sedimentación en placa utilizando agar papa dextrosa y se midieron temperatura y humedad relativa durante cada muestreo. Asimismo, se aplicó una encuesta a los trabajadores con el fin de conocer sintomatología respiratoria sugestiva que pudieran presentar por el manejo de documentos y se tomaron muestras de fosas nasales a algunos de ellos. Se aislaron del ambiente 14 géneros entre hongos, levaduras y bacterias, y dos categorías de microorganismos no identificadas. Los géneros fúngicos predominantes fueron Mucor spp., y Penicillium spp., con un 36,6% y 27,5%, respectivamente, del total de colonias aisladas. Las formas levaduriformes principalmente del género Rhodotorula, y bacterianas con predominio de formas cocoides fueron aisladas en menor proporción. No se encontró correlación estadísticamente significativa entre el promedio de unidades formadoras de colonia con temperatura y humedad relativa del ambiente. Además, en las muestras de fosas nasales sólo se encontró microbiota normal de nariz, lo cual indica que los síntomas respiratorios sugestivos que presentan los trabajadores no estuvieron influenciados directamente por la presencia de esporas de hongos en el ambiente del archivo central.

Air quality of indoor environments can be influenced by different particles suspended in the atmosphere (dust, pollen, bacteria, fungi, and virus) that could cause damage to documents and induce allergic reactions in people working with these documents. In this work, we identified until genera the microorganisms present in the environment of the central archive of Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; specifically those that could cause respiratory allergies to personnel of this area. For the environment samples, we used the open Petri dish sedimentation method using potato dextrose agar, and measured temperature and relative humidity during each sampling. Also, a survey was taken of the workers to record respiratory symptoms that could arise from handling documents. Samples were taken from the nostrils of some of these workers. Fourteen genera among fungi, yeasts, and bacteria, and two non identified categories were isolated from the environment. The predominant fungal genera were Mucor spp. and Penicillium spp. with 36.6% and 27.5% of the total of isolated colonies, respectively. Yeast, mainly Rhodotorula genera, and bacteria with prevalence coccus forms were isolated in smaller proportions. There was not statistically significant correlation among the average of colony forming units and the temperature and relative humidity in the environment. In addition, nostril samples yielded only normal microbiota of the nose, indicating that suggestive respiratory symptoms workers presented are not directly influenced by the presence of fungal spores in the environment at the central archive.

Distribuição de esporos de Cladosporium sppno ar atmosférico de Caxias do Sul, RS, Brasil,durante dois anos de estudo / Cladosporium spp spores distribution in the atmospheric air of Caxias do Sul-RS, Brazil, during a two-year study

Os esporos de fungos estão distribuídos em grande quantidade naatmosfera e, alguns deles, apresentam capacidade de causar doençasem seres humanos, animais e vegetais. Dentre os variados táxons destaca-se Cladosporium spp, um dos fungos mais cosmopolitas e de maiorconcentração no ar. Esporos de Cladosporium spp têm sido caracterizadoscomo importantes alérgenos.Objetivos: Medir as concentrações de esporos de Cladosporium sppna atmosfera de Caxias do Sul, RS, Brasil, durante os anos de 2001 e2002 e avaliar a relação destas, com parâmetros meteorológicos.Métodos: Amostras diárias foram coletadas, utilizando um aparelhotipo Hirst (Burkard®).Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que Cladosporium spp tempresença constante no ar. Em 2001 foram contabilizados 133.586 esporos/m3, com valor máximo diário de 3.265 esporos/m3 e mensal de24.912 esporos/m3, no mês de março. Em 2002 o número total foi de118.766 esporos/m3 com máximo diário de 4.470 esporos/m3 e mensalde 29.816 esporos/m3, em janeiro. A análise com os parâmetrosmeteorológicos mostrou correlação positiva com temperatura média enegativa com a umidade. Os períodos de maior concentração ocorreramcom temperaturas médias mais elevadas, no entanto, a umidade altatem um efeito negativo na distribuição destes esporos por favorecer ahidratação dos mesmos, que sedimentam ao solo.Conclusão: Os dados obtidos podem ser úteis nas áreas da patologiahumana, especialmente nos processos alérgicos, na patologia animal evegetal, em trabalhos com finalidades de preservação de acervo cultural,no controle de infecções e na ecologia.

Fungal spores are distributed in large amounts in the outdoor air, andsome of them may cause diseases in human beings, animals, and plants.Among several taxa, Cladosporium spp is one of the most ubiquitous andmost widely distributed, being found in high concentrations in the air.Cladosporium spp spores have been classified as important allergens,and are, therefore, important to the study of allergies.Objectives: To measure the concentrations of Cladosporium sppspores in the outdoor air of Caxias do Sul, Southern Brazil, during 2001and 2002, and to evaluate the association of these concentrations withmeteorological parameters.Methods: Daily samples were collected using a Hirst sampler(Burkard®).Results: The results showed that Cladosporium spp spores are oftenpart of the air. In 2001, the total amount was 133,586 spores/m3; withmaximum daily and monthly concentration of 3,265 spores/m3, and24,912 spores/m3 in March, respectively. In 2002, the total amount was118,766 spores/m3; with maximum daily and monthly concentration of4,470 spores/m3 and 29,816 spores/m3 in January. The meteorologicalparameters showed a positive correlation with the temperature averageand a negative one regarding humidity. The highest levels were found athigher temperature averages, however, elevated humidity has a negativeeffect on the distribution of these spores, contributing to their hydrationand deposition on the soil.Conclusions: The data obtained can be useful in human pathologyarea - especially in allergy - animal and plants pathology, in studies ofcultural inventory preservation, infection control and ecology.

The uses of pollen and its implication for Entomology / Os usos do pólen e suas implicações na Entomologia

Palinologia é o estudo dos grãos de pólen produzidos por plantas sementeiras (angiospermas e gimnospermas) e esporos (pteridófitas, briófitas, algas e fungos). O pólen representa a flora terrestre e pode ser útil em muitas disciplinas: é único, não deteriora facilmente e é um marcador natural. O pólen pode ser usado para determinar os mecanismos de polinização, os recursos de forrageamento, as rotas de migração e locais fontes de insetos e outros polinizadores. O pólen fornece meios para análises paleoambientais de rochas terrestres sendo de interesse de geólogos. Também auxilia a explicar as correlações de ambientes terrestres com as sucessões marítimas e é usado para determinar trocas ecológicas e ambientais. Recentemente, a palinologia tem sido utilizada nos meios forenses. Esse artigo introduz a idéia do uso do pólen em várias disciplinas e, em particular, na entomologia.

Palynology is the study of pollen grains produced by seed plants (angiosperms and gymnosperms) and spores (pteridophytes, bryophytes, algae and fungi). It represents the land flora and can be use in many different disciplines. Pollen is distinctive, does not easily decay and is a natural marker. Pollen can be used to determine pollination mechanisms, foraging resources, migration routes and source zones of insects and other pollinators. It provides a means for paleoenvironmental analyses of terrestrial rocks and is of interest to geologists. Pollen also aids in the correlation of terrestrial with marine successions and is used to determine environmental and ecological changes. Recently, palynology is used in forensics. This manuscript introduces the ideas of using pollen in a variety of disciplines, in particular in entomology.