Recombinant PreS-fusion protein vaccine for birch pollen and apple allergy.

BACKGROUND: IgE cross-sensitization to major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and pathogenesis-related (PR10) plant food allergens is responsible for the pollen-food allergy syndrome. METHODS: We designed a recombinant protein, AB-PreS, consisting of non-allergenic peptides derived from the IgE-binding sites of Bet v 1 and the cross-reactive apple allergen, Mal d 1, fused to the PreS domain of HBV surface protein as immunological carrier. AB-PreS was expressed in E. coli and purified by chromatography. The allergenic and inflammatory activity of AB-PreS was tested using basophils and PBMCs from birch pollen allergic patients. The ability of antibodies induced by immunization of rabbits with AB-PreS and birch pollen extract-based vaccines to inhibit allergic patients IgE binding to Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: IgE-binding experiments and basophil activation test revealed the hypoallergenic nature of AB-PreS. AB-PreS induced lower T-cell activation and inflammatory cytokine production in cultured PBMCs from allergic patients. IgG antibodies induced by five injections with AB-PreS inhibited allergic patients' IgE binding to Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 better than did IgG induced by up to 30 injections of six licensed birch pollen allergen extract-based vaccines. Additionally, immunization with AB-PreS induced HBV-specific antibodies potentially protecting from infection with HBV. CONCLUSION: The recombinant AB-PreS-based vaccine is hypoallergenic and superior over currently registered allergen extract-based vaccines regarding the induction of blocking antibodies to Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 in animals.

An evolutionary disruption of the buzz pollination syndrome in neotropical montane plants.

PREMISE: Under pollinator limitations, specialized pollination syndromes may evolve toward contrasting responses: a generalized syndrome with increased pollinator attraction, pollinator reward, and pollen transfer capacity; or the selfing syndrome with increased self-pollen deposition, but reduced pollinator attraction and pollen transfer capacity. The buzz-pollination syndrome is specialized to explore female vibrating bees as pollinators. However, vibrating bees become less-active pollinators at montane areas of the Atlantic Forest (AF) domain. This study investigated whether the specialized buzz-pollination syndrome would evolve toward an alternative floral syndrome in montane areas of the AF domain, considering a generalized and the selfing syndromes as alternative responses. METHODS: We utilized a lineage within the buzz-pollinated Miconia as study system, contrasting floral traits between montane AF-endemic and non-endemic species. We measured and validated floral traits that were proxies for pollinator attraction, reward access, pollen transfer capacity, and self-pollen deposition. We inferred the evolution of floral trait via phylogenetic comparative methods. RESULTS: AF-endemic species have selectively evolved greater reward access and more frequently had generalist pollination. Nonetheless, AF-endemic species also have selectively evolved toward lower pollen transfer capacity and greater self pollination. These patterns indicated a complex evolutionary process that has jointly favored a generalized and the selfing syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: The buzz pollination syndrome can undergo an evolutionary disruption in montane areas of the AF domain. This floral syndrome is likely more labile than often assumed, allowing buzz-pollinated plants to reproduce in environments where vibrating bees are less-reliable pollinators.

Unlocking Quercetin's Neuroprotective Potential: A Focus on Bee-Collected Pollen.

In the quest to evade side effects associated with synthetic drugs, mankind is continually exploring natural sources. In recent decades, neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) have surged dramatically compared to other human diseases. Flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds, have emerged as potential preventers of NDD development. Notably, quercetin and its derivatives demonstrated excellent antioxidant properties in the fight against NDDs. Recognizing bee-collected pollen (BP) as a well-established excellent source of quercetin and its derivatives, this review seeks to consolidate available data on the prevalence of this flavonoid in BP, contingent upon its botanical and geographical origins. It aims to advocate for BP as a superb natural source of "drugs" that could serve as preventative measures against NDDs. Examination of numerous published articles, detailing the phenolic profile of BP, suggests that it can be a great source of quercetin, with an average range of up to 1000 mg/kg. In addition to quercetin, 24 derivatives (with rutin being the most predominant) have been identified. Theoretical calculations, based on the recommended dietary intake for quercetin, indicate that BP can fulfil from 0.1 to over 100 % of the requirement, depending on BP's origin and bioaccessibility/bioavailability during digestion.

Spatial Variation of Airborne Pollen Concentrations Locally around Brussels City, Belgium, during a Field Campaign in 2022-2023, Using the Automatic Sensor Beenose.

As a growing part of the world population is suffering from pollen-induced allergies, increasing the number of pollen monitoring stations and developing new dedicated measurement networks has become a necessity. To this purpose, Beenose, a new automatic and relatively low-cost sensor, was developed to characterize and quantify the pollinic content of the air using multiangle light scattering. A field campaign was conducted at four locations around Brussels, Belgium, during summer 2022 and winter-spring 2023. First, the consistency was assessed between the automatic sensor and a collocated reference Hirst-type trap deployed at Ixelles, south-east of Brussels. Daily average total pollen concentrations provided by the two instruments showed a mean error of about 15%. Daily average pollen concentrations were also checked for a selection of pollen species and revealed Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.93. Subsequently, a study on the spatial variability of the pollen content around Brussels was conducted with Beenose sensors. The temporal evolution of daily average total pollen concentrations recorded at four sites were compared and showed strong variations from one location to another, up to a factor 10 over no more than a few kilometers apart. This variation is a consequence of multiple factors such as the local vegetation, the wind directions, the altitude of the measurement station, and the topology of the city. It is therefore highly necessary to multiply the number of measurement stations per city for a better evaluation of human exposure to pollen allergens and for more enhanced pollen allergy management.

Landscape and land use affect composition and nutritional values of bees' food.

Bees are primary pollinators across various terrestrial biomes and rely heavily on floral resources for sustenance. The composition of landscapes can influence bee foraging behavior, while human activities can directly affect both the composition and nutritional value of bee food. We aimed to assess how landscape structure and land use practices can impact the composition and nutritional value of food sources for two generalist social bee species, Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica. Food samples were collected from twenty-five colonies of A. mellifera and thirteen of S. postica to examine how food composition and nutritional value may vary based on the extent of human land use and the composition of landscapes surrounding beekeeping sites. The pollen composition and nutritional value of A. mellifera were influenced by both land use practices and landscape heterogeneity. The number of patches determined total sugar and lipid content. Landscape heterogeneity affected pollen composition in S. postica, primarily due to the number of patches, while total sugar was affected by landscape diversity. Pollen nutritional value in S. postica was linked to land use, mainly meadow and vegetation, which influenced total sugar and dry matter. S. postica showed a higher sensitivity to land use changes compared to A. mellifera, which was more affected by landscape heterogeneity. Assuring landscape heterogeneity by preserving remaining forest patches around apiaries and meliponaries is crucial. Thoughtful land use planning is essential to support beekeeping activities and ensure an adequate quantity and quality of bee food resources.

[Expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of pollen-food allergy syndrome].

Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a unique type of food allergy that specifically affects individuals with pollen allergy. In recent years, pollen allergy is increasingly and shows younger tendency. PFAS has also become a topic of interest in China. The characteristics of PFAS vary across regions and show obviously heterogeneity due to different pollen sensitization profile. Currently, diagnostic methods for PFAS in China are limited, which may lead to underdiagnosed and underrecognized of this syndrome, there are currently no accessible diagnostic criteria and procedures for clinical use. Unlike primary food allergy, the management of PFAS need a combined strategy which involves managing both pollen allergy and food allergy. Therefore, its management is particularly complex and varies among doctors in clinical practice. This consensus has developed a diagnosis and management flow chart based on current domestic and foreign guidelines, as well as relevant research evidence in China. The aim is to improve the standard diagnosis and treatment of PFAS and provide guidance to allergists, healthcare professionals, and general practitioners for accurate understanding, diagnosis, and standardized management of PFAS.

Do Silene species with exposed stigmas tolerate interference by heterospecific pollen?

PREMISE: Co-flowering species that have not evolved an avoidance mechanism may have tolerance to heterospecific pollen (HP) deposition as an adaptive strategy to minimize any deleterious effects of HP transfer, but empirical evidence for the tolerance hypothesis remains scarce. METHODS: To estimate the potential effects of heterospecific pollen deposition (HPD) on female reproductive success, we counted conspecific (CP) and HP pollen grains deposited on stigmas and assessed subsequent seed set of both open- and hand-pollinated flowers in three co-flowering Silene species with exposed stigmas that usually received numerous HP grains on the elongated receptive area. RESULTS: The percentage of HP grains per flower (HP%) varied from 16.6% to 43.0% among three species. Silene chungtienensis had lower HP%, and the CP-HP relationship was neutral; S. gracilicaulis and S. yunnanensis had a relatively higher HP% with a positive CP-HP relationship. The effects of CP and HP number on natural seed set were positive for all three species, but HP% had stronger negative effects in S. chungtienensis and S. gracilicaulis. In hand-pollinated flowers of the three Silene species, seed set did not decrease with HP whether CP was in excess or insufficient, indicating no negative effects of HPD on seed production. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the tolerance hypothesis, our results indicated that species with higher HP interference are likely to be tolerant to an increase in HP%. These species with generalist-pollinated flowers and exposed large stigmas may benefit from an increase of conspecific pollen deposition, despite the associated increase in heterospecific pollen deposition.

Volunteer-contributed observations of flowering often correlate with airborne pollen concentrations.

Characterizing airborne pollen concentrations is crucial for supporting allergy and asthma management; however, pollen monitoring is labor intensive and, in the USA, geographically limited. The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) engages thousands of volunteer observers in regularly documenting the developmental and reproductive status of plants. The reports of flower and pollen cone status contributed to the USA-NPN's platform, Nature's Notebook, have the potential to help address gaps in pollen monitoring by providing real-time, spatially explicit information from across the country. In this study, we assessed whether observations of flower and pollen cone status contributed to Nature's Notebook can serve as effective proxies for airborne pollen concentrations. We compared daily pollen concentrations from 36 National Allergy Bureau (NAB) stations in the USA with flowering and pollen cone status observations collected within 200 km of each NAB station in each year, 2009-2021, for 15 common tree taxa using Spearman's correlations. Of 350 comparisons, 58% of correlations were significant (p < 0.05). Comparisons could be made at the largest numbers of sites for Acer and Quercus. Quercus demonstrated a comparatively high proportion of tests with significant agreement (median ρ = 0.49). Juglans demonstrated the strongest overall coherence between the two datasets (median ρ = 0.79), though comparisons were made at only a small number of sites. For particular taxa, volunteer-contributed flowering status observations demonstrate promise to indicate seasonal patterns in airborne pollen concentrations. The quantity of observations, and therefore, their utility for supporting pollen alerts, could be substantially increased through a formal observation campaign.

The impact of habitat loss on pollination services for a threatened dune endemic plant.

Habitat loss is currently a major threat to biodiversity, affecting species interactions, such as plant-pollinator interactions. This is particularly important in self-incompatible plants relying on pollinators to reproduce and sustain their populations. Here, we evaluated how habitat loss affects the pollination system, plant individual-pollinator species interaction network, and plant reproductive fitness of the self-incompatible Jasione maritima var. sabularia, a threatened taxon from dune systems. This plant is a pollinator generalist, visited by 108 species from distinct taxonomic groups. Results suggest that increasing habitat loss led to a significant decline in pollinator richness, increased pollen limitation, and a decrease in reproductive fitness of J. maritima var. sabularia. Visitation rate per individual did not significantly change with available area, indicating that the quality of pollen differed across populations. The topology of the network between J. maritima var. sabularia individuals and its pollinator species did not change, which may be attributed to the stability in the core of pollinator species. This suggests that the lower fitness of plants with increasing habitat degradation may be explained not only by the lower richness of peripheral pollinators but also by the genetic structure of the plant populations, as there is a possible higher transference of less quality pollen by pollinators, ultimately compromising the persistence of plant populations. Our study highlights the need of future studies to integrate the fine details provided by individual-level networks, which will increase our understanding of the pattern of species interactions and its consequences for the fitness of threatened plant populations.

Unusual early peaks of airborne ragweed (Ambrosia L.) pollen in the Pannonian Biogeographical Region.

Early peaks of airborne ragweed (Ambrosia L.) pollen concentrations were observed at several monitoring stations in Hungary in June 2017 and 2018, one month before the usual start of the pollen season at the end of July. Backward trajectories were calculated to simulate potential sources of pollen collected at different locations in the Pannonian Biogeographical Region. In a collaboration between aerobiological and phenological networks, a nationwide campaign was conducted to collect field data of ragweed blooming. During field surveys, ragweed plants having extremely early blooming were found most abundantly in a rural site near Vaja (North-East Hungary) and other locations in Hungary. Field observations matched with source areas identified by trajectory analyses; i.e., early-flowering ragweed plants were found at some of these locations. Although similar peaks of airborne pollen concentrations were not detected in other years (e.g., 2016, 2019-2021), alarming results suggest the possibility of expanding seasons of ragweed allergy.

Effects of Mechanical Drying on the Removal of Pollen Allergens.

PURPOSE: Pollen may spread indoors through clothes contaminated during outdoor activities. This study aimed to evaluate the pollen removal efficacy of a mechanical dryer. METHODS: Cotton clothes served as laundry, and fabrics measuring 2 × 5 cm served as test samples. Pollen was spread evenly on the test fabrics. The fabrics were then fixed on the cloth and left for 8 h to imitate real-life conditions. This experiment was conducted under 2 conditions, wet (after washing clothes) and dry (without washing). After drying, we counted pollen on the test fabrics to evaluate the pollen removal rate. We measured the remaining allergens in extracts from the contaminated fabrics after mechanical drying. The concentrations of allergens (Amb a 1, Bet v 1, Crp j 1, and Phl p 1) in each extracted solution were measured using 2-site ELISA. RESULTS: For ragweed, Japanese cedar, birch, and timothy grass, the mean pollen removal ratios for the dry samples were 99.88 ± 0.09%, 99.96 ± 0.03%, 99.89 ± 0.02%, and 99.82 ± 0.11%, respectively, and those for the wet samples were 98.83 ± 0.87%, 97.91 ± 1.81%, 97.29 ± 1.19%, and 96.3 ± 0.92%, respectively. Further, for the pollen allergens Amb a 1 [ragweed], Crp j 1 [Japanese cedar], Bet v 1 [birch], and Phl p 1 [timothy grass], the mean pollen allergen removal ratios for the dry samples were 99.81 ± 0.06%, 99.94 ± 0.23%, 99.90 ± 0.11%, and 99.84 ± 0.17%, respectively, and those for the wet samples were 98.11 ± 0.14%, 96.04 ± 1.52%, 97.21 ± 0.83%, and 95.23 ± 0.92%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for each species. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical drying effectively removed pollen and allergens from dry and wet fabrics. We expect that further studies on the removal of other indoor allergens would contribute to improved environmental control for allergy patients.

Therapeutic efficacy of orally administered pollen for nonallergic diseases: An umbrella review.

Pollen has been used for centuries as a tonic and a multipurpose remedy in traditional medicine. The present umbrella review aims to qualitatively assess the therapeutic efficacy of orally administered pollen in the management of nonallergic diseases. MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Articles were independently screened and selected, then quality of evidence of included studies was evaluated with a dedicated NIH tool. Retrieved evidence was critically appraised and discussed. Two hundred four articles were found and, after selection process, five systematic reviews were included in the present work, including one with a meta-analysis. Evidence from these reviews supports the use of grass pollen extracts for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis (CP). Additional preliminary evidence on the topic indicates the potential use of grass pollen extracts for vasomotor symptoms in women. Overall, results of the present review suggest that flower pollen extracts may be useful as a complementary remedy for the management of BPH, CP, and vasomotor symptoms. Evidence regarding bee pollen is too limited to draw any conclusion on its clinical efficacy. Further studies are needed.

Pollens causing allergy and their monitoring by aerobiology and phenology.

Allergies caused by inhalant allergens, particularly pollens, are steadily increasing in urban centers. It is known that atmospheric pollution is strongly related to the inflammatory disease of the upper and lower airways but it is equally important in the development of sensitization towards pollens. Particulate Matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have an enhancement function on the persistence of pollens in the air, increasing the concentration and duration of pollinosis. It is therefore essential to use air quality control methods in urban centers to monitor the presence of pollen and fine dust that can drive the doctor and the patient to improve prevention, a step of primary importance in the treatment of allergies. Aerobiology and phenology are essential tools to monitor pollen production. The opportunity for the patients to use social media as information sources, including teletext, sms, mail and social networks, as well as a wide range of apps, allows to have reliable information on the air we breathe and therefore to better manage the methods of prevention at our disposal.

Symptomatic treatment of pollen-related allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: About 12% of children are affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR). Although the main symptomatic treatments are intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) (daily or on demand) and oral antihistamines, it remains unclear which treatment provides the best relief of symptoms. Therefore, this study examines whether daily use of INCS is superior to on-demand use or to oral antihistamines on demand. METHODS: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial in children (aged 6-18 years) with pollen-related AR. Patients received either INCS daily (fluticasone propionate), INCS on demand (fluticasone propionate) or oral antihistamine on demand (levocetirizine) for 3 months during the grass pollen season. A daily online symptom diary on both nose and eye symptoms was completed. The primary outcome was the percentage of symptom-free days. RESULTS: A total of 150 children were randomized. The percentage symptom-free days was in favour of INCS on demand (30%) compared with INCS daily (22%), that is 8% difference (95% CI -5 to +21%; not significant). The antihistamine on-demand group had 15% symptom-free days, that is 7% difference compared to INCS daily (95% CI -6 to +19%;, not significant). Patients in the INCS on-demand group used on average 61% less fluticasone than patients in the INCS daily group during the study period (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This trial with three parallel treatment groups shows that INCS daily was not superior to INCS on demand or to antihistamine on demand regarding the number of symptom-free days. An on-demand INCS strategy has the advantage of a lower overall corticosteroid exposure and less costs.

Evaluating the efficacy of epinastine ophthalmic solution using a conjunctivitis allergen challenge model in patients with birch pollen allergic conjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution for pollen allergic conjunctivitis has already been shown in a conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) test using cedar pollen as a challenge. The present study investigated the efficacy of this solution against birch pollen conjunctivitis in a CAC test. METHODS: Ten adult subjects (eight males and two females) with asymptomatic birch pollen conjunctivitis were enrolled in this study. The average age of the subjects was 41.1 years. This study was conducted during a period without birch pollen dispersion. In each subject, the epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution was instilled in one eye, and an artificial tear fluid was instilled in the fellow eye in a double-blind manner. Five minutes or 4 h after the drug instillation, both eyes were challenged with an optimal concentration of birch pollen, and ocular itching and conjunctival hyperemia were then graded. Tears were collected before the drug instillation and 20 min after the pollen challenge, and the histamine level was measured. RESULTS: The ocular itching scores and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia scores of the epinastine-treated eyes were significantly lower than those of the contralateral control eyes when the eyes were pretreated with the drug 4 h before the CAC. There was a significant correlation between the tear histamine level and mean ocular itching score of three time points (3, 5 and 10 min) following the CAC in the control eyes but not the epinastine-treated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Epinastine is effective in suppressing ocular itching and conjunctival hyperemia in birch pollen conjunctivitis.

Aerobiological monitoring and mapping of Ambrosia plants in the province of Parma (northern Italy, southern Po valley), a useful tool for targeted preventive measures.

BACKGROUND: Ambrosia is an annual anemophilous weed producing allergenic pollen affecting public health in European countries. In Italy, the most infested region is Lombardy where, in some areas, it is the major cause of hay fever. In the Parma district, until 2007, Ambrosia seemed to be very rare, despite an observed increase of Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI), of pollen peak value and of asthma among ragweed sensitized patients. The aims of this study were to calculate ragweed pollen season and trends from 1996 to 2015, to assess the relationships between pollen season characteristics and selected meteorological data, to map plants in the territory and to evaluate the presence of beetle Ophraella communa (Ophraella), known as an eater of Ambrosia leaves. METHODS: The following pollination parameters: start, end, duration, peak concentration date, peak values, SPI and the following climatic parameters: temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, were analyzed. The ragweed plants sites were mapped and the presence of Ophraella was assessed during naturalistic activities. RESULTS: Significant SPI and pollen peak value increase until 2011 were observed, but recently, 2012-2015 vs 2009-2011, a strong reduction (about 50%) of these parameters was observed. The spring average air temperature increased significantly. The results of the correlation analysis showed Ambrosia season characteristics significantly related. We identified the sites source of Ambrosia, even downtown at the confluence between Parma and Baganza rivers. Ophraella was observed for the first time in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the spread of ragweed plants over the territory and the risk of allergy increase that ragweed could cause. It remains to evaluate the role of the Ophraella in the reduction of Ambrosia pollen concentration. It is important to consider the potential risk Ophraella may represent for sunflower and other taxonomically related crop plants and other native and exotic species. The lack of initiatives by the Health Authorities to prevent and to contrast the spread of Ambrosia in the Parma area could cause public health consequences and an increase in health expenditures.

Fungal spores and pollen in particulate matter collected during agricultural activities in the Po Valley (Italy).

Airborne particulate matter (PM) containing fungal spores and pollen grains was sampled within a monitoring campaign of wheat threshing, plowing and sowing agricultural operations. Fungal spores and pollen grains were detected and identified on morphological basis. No studies were previously available about fungal spore and pollen content in agricultural PM in the Po Valley. Sampling was conducted in a Po Valley farmland in Mezzano (Ferrara, Italy). The organic particles collected were examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Fungal spores and pollen grains were identified when possible at the level of species. The most frequent components of the organic particles sampled were spores of Aspergillus sp., which could represent a risk of developing allergies and aspergillosis for crop farmers.

[EFFECT OF PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT BY LEUKOTORIENE RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST ON JAPANESE CEDAR POLLINOSIS OF PRE- AND POST-SCHOOL CHILDREN JAPANESE CEDAR POLLINOSIS].

UNLABELLED: Backgroud: It has already been reported that the prophylactic treatment by leukotoriene receptor antagonists is more effective on reducing symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis than the authentic treatment after the pollen dispersal. However, the treatment above has never evaluated in children cases around school age in ENT out-patient clinic. This study about the prophylactic treatment was planned to focus on the effect in the generation of pre- and post-elementary school entrance. METHODS: Children of pre- and post-elementary school entrance were enrolled for this study. This study was achieved in seasons of Japanese cedar pollinosis both in 2013 and 2014, and was designed as the comparison of clinical symptoms and quality of life in between two such groups as one group with the prophylactic treatment and another with the authentic treatment. RESULTS: Efficacy of prophylactic treatment by leukotoriene receptor antagonists was elucidated as follows; quality of sleep was significantly better both in 2013 and 2014, and more kinds of clinical symptoms or quality of life impairments were significantly more suppressed than in the group with the authentic treatment in 2014 when less pollen was dispersed. CONCLUSION: Even in the children of pre- and post-elementary school entrance, the prophylactic treatment by leukotoriene receptor antagonists is more effective on reducing symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis than the authentic treatment.

Climate change. A global threat to cardiopulmonary health.

Recent changes in the global climate system have resulted in excess mortality and morbidity, particularly among susceptible individuals with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease. These weather patterns are projected to continue and intensify as a result of rising CO2 levels, according to the most recent projections by climate scientists. In this Pulmonary Perspective, motivated by the American Thoracic Society Committees on Environmental Health Policy and International Health, we review the global human health consequences of projected changes in climate for which there is a high level of confidence and scientific evidence of health effects, with a focus on cardiopulmonary health. We discuss how many of the climate-related health effects will disproportionally affect people from economically disadvantaged parts of the world, who contribute relatively little to CO2 emissions. Last, we discuss the financial implications of climate change solutions from a public health perspective and argue for a harmonized approach to clean air and climate change policies.

Development of personal pollen information-the next generation of pollen information and a step forward for hay fever sufferers.

Pollen allergies affect a large part of the European population and are considered likely to increase. User feedback indicates that there are difficulties in providing proper information and valid forecasts using traditional methods of aerobiology due to a variety of factors. Allergen content, pollen loads, and pollen allergy symptoms vary per region and year. The first steps in challenging such issues have already been undertaken. A personalized pollen-related symptom forecast is thought to be a possible answer. However, attempts made thus far have not led to an improvement in daily forecasting procedures. This study describes a model that was launched in 2013 in Austria to provide the first available personal pollen information. This system includes innovative forecast models using bi-hourly pollen data, traditional pollen forecasts based on historical data, meteorological data, and recent symptom data from the patient's hayfever diary. Furthermore, it calculates the personal symptom load in real time, in particular, the entries of the previous 5 days, to classify users. The personal pollen information was made available in Austria on the Austrian pollen information website and via a mobile pollen application, described herein for the first time. It is supposed that the inclusion of personal symptoms will lead to major improvements in pollen information concerning hay fever sufferers.