ALBERT

Description:    The dynamics of Poaceae pollen season, in particularly that of the Secale genus, in Szczecin (western Poland) 2004–2008 was analysed to establish a relationship between the meteorological variables, air pollution and the pollen count of the taxa studied. Consecutive phases during the pollen season were defined for each taxon (1, 2.5, 5, 25, 50, 75, 95, 97.5, 99% of annual total), and duration of the season was determined using the 98% method. On the basis of this analysis, the temporary differences in the dynamics of the seasons were most evident for Secale in 2005 and 2006 with the longest main pollen season (90% total pollen). The pollen season of Poaceae started the earliest in 2007, when thermal conditions were the most favourable. Correlation analysis with meteorological factors demonstrated that the relative humidity, mean and maximum air temperature, and rainfall were the factors influencing the average daily pollen concentrations in the atmosphere; also, the presence of air pollutants such as ozone, PM 10 and SO 2 was statistically related to the pollen count in the air. However, multiple regression models explained little part of the total variance. Atmospheric pollution induces aggravation of symptoms of grass pollen allergy. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10453-010-9188-5 Authors Małgorzata Puc, Department of Botany and Nature Conservation, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    Understanding the causes of interannual variability in atmospheric pollen concentration is an important but elusive goal for public health and environmental change. We analyzed long-term daily records of pollen counts from urban Kansas City, Missouri, USA collected from 1997 to 2009 for three pollen groups: Ambrosia , Poaceae, and a third group which is mostly composed of arboreal pollen types. The annual pollen index varied from 8,368 to 80,822 over the thirteen-year period. Although Ambrosia pollen is often thought to be associated with droughts and disturbance, years with high Ambrosia pollen were associated with high summer precipitation to the south of Kansas City. Years with high Poaceae pollen were associated with high spring precipitation to the south of the city. In support of the southern influence to Kansas City pollen, Ambrosia and Poaceae pollen mostly arrived on southern winds. In contrast to the other two pollen groups, the arboreal pollen was most associated with growing season precipitation to the east of Kansas City, although it was still highest on days with southern winds. Based on the correlations with climate, the severity of an upcoming allergy season may be predicted with early-season precipitation data, while short-term severity can be forecast from local weather patterns. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10453-010-9186-7 Authors Kendra K. McLauchlan, Department of Geography, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA Charles S. Barnes, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Section of Allergy and Immunology, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA Joseph M. Craine, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    The objective of this study was to estimate the possible travel distance of airborne bacteria emitted from a naturally ventilated broiler house by using staphylococci as indicator organisms. Air samples were taken during the second half of three fattening periods with Impinger (AGI-30) in the barn and simultaneously upwind and downwind from the building. Staphylococci concentrations varied between 1 × 10 6 and 1 × 10 7 cfu m −3 in the barn. No Staphylococci were detected in air samples at the upwind side. A strong exponential decrease of these bacteria was observed at three sampling heights (1.5, 4.0 and 9.5 m) in the main wind direction downwind of the barn. Staphylococci concentrations up to 5.9 × 10 3 cfu m −3 were detected at the farthest sampling point (333 m) downwind. Identification to the species level by means of a 16S–23S ITS PCR confirmed that Staphylococcus spp. from downwind samples originated from the barn. Staphylococci served as an useful indicator to demonstrate the travel distance of bacterial emissions originating from a naturally ventilated broiler house. These findings indicate that airborne transmission of viable bacteria from this type of housing system to adjacent residential dwellings or animal houses several hundred metres away is possible. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10453-011-9202-6 Authors J. Schulz, Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17p, 30559 Hannover, Germany L. Formosa, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Sydney, NSW Australia J. Seedorf, University of Applied Sciences, Osnabrück, Germany J. Hartung, Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17p, 30559 Hannover, Germany Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    Most of the area of the globe is characterized by a low temperature, and the ice being formed constitutes a specific habitat for the growth of psychrotolerant microbes. They are accompanied by contaminants dripping from flat surfaces or falling down from the atmosphere. The objective of this study was, therefore, to detect the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi in ice formations found at the height of up to 2 m. The collected ice formations were transported to the laboratory and left for free melting. Yeast-like fungi were isolated with the use of a standard research procedure, typical of diagnostic mycological laboratories. The icicles examined were found to contain a high number of fungi, reaching 15,180 cfu/dm 3 that originated from 12 species belonging to 2 genera: Debaryomyces and Candida . The predominating fungi were these of the genus Candida —constituting as much as 83.33% of the isolates. The study revealed also potential pathogens— Candida krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. utilis. The presence of fungi in the material examined allows ice formations to be treated as a reservoir and a vector of pathogenic factors and a temporary air filter. It additionally enforces the significance of health-promoting education that plays a key role in developing epidemiological awareness of the society. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10453-011-9198-y Authors Anna Biedunkiewicz, Department of Mycology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A St., 10-957 Olsztyn, Poland Elżbieta Ejdys, Department of Mycology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A St., 10-957 Olsztyn, Poland Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    Microbial particles transported by Asian desert dust (KOSA) possibly impact ecosystems and human health in downwind environments and are commonly called “bioaerosols.” The microbial communities associated with KOSA mineral particles (KOSA bioaerosol), which were collected from the snow cover on Mt. Tateyama, were investigated by means of a culture-amendment technique combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis using 16S rRNA genes. After the stratigraphy of the snow layer formed on the walls of a snow pit on Mt. Tateyama, samples were collected from 2 layers, which included KOSA particles and one which did not. The snow samples with KOSA particles indicated microbial growth in the 10 0 and 10 −1 dilution media and in the medium with NaCl below 10%, while the snow sample without KOSA particles showed no microbial growth in the culture media. The PCR–DGGE analysis revealed that the bacterial compositions in the snow samples including KOSA mineral particles were mainly composed of the members of the phyla Actinobacteria , Firmicutus , and Proteobacteria . In particular, the 2 phylotypes appeared in the microbial cultures were similar to the members of the B. subtilis group, which has been detected in bioaerosol samples collected from the atmosphere over KOSA arrival (Suzu City) and source (Dunhuang City) regions. Presumably, halotolerant and oligotrophic bacterial communities are associated with the KOSA particles that descend to the snow cover on Mt. Tateyama. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10453-011-9196-0 Authors Teruya Maki, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan Kazuma Aoki, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Fumihisa Kobayashi, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan Makiko Kakikawa, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan Yutaka Tobo, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort, Collins, CO 80523, USA Atsushi Matsuki, Frontier Science Organization, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan Hiroshi Hasegawa, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan Yasunobu Iwasaka, Frontier Science Organization, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    The aim of this preliminary study was to assess exposure to β(1 → 3)-glucan as well as inhalable dust and viable fungi in different occupational environments. The study was conducted in three different industrial plants: metal plant where metalworking fluids were applied, wastewater treatment plant, and waste composting plant. In selected points simultaneously the stationary air sampling was performed to evaluate the levels of inhalable dust, β(1 → 3)-glucan, and to make a quantitative analysis of airborne fungi. All variables describing the exposure were characterized by a wide range of concentrations. The results were as follows: β(1 → 3)-glucan (1.38–65.1 ng/m 3 ), inhalable dust (0.03–2.93 mg/m 3 ), and fungi (0.16–285 × 10 2  CFU/m 3 ). The highest concentrations for all parameters were found in the composting plant. In the composting plant, a statistically significant correlation was found between β(1 → 3)-glucan and fungal levels ( r  = 0.89; p  〈 0.05). In the metal industry and composting plant, the participation of alkali-soluble fraction was stable, exceeding 90% of all β(1 → 3)-glucan. However, in the wastewater treatment plant, its average amount was much lower—73.6%. The study showed that β(1 → 3)-glucan was present in different occupational environments and it should be taken into consideration as an important part of bioaerosols. However, more studies are required to assess the concentration levels as well as all determinants of exposure. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10453-011-9201-7 Authors Marcin Cyprowski, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St., 91-348 Lodz, Poland Małgorzata Sowiak, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St., 91-348 Lodz, Poland Irena Szadkowska-Stańczyk, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St., 91-348 Lodz, Poland Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    The main aim of this work is to study the aerobiological behaviour of Poaceae pollen in three areas of central Spain (Aranjuez, Madrid and Toledo), all of which are similar from a geographical, climatic and biogeographical point of view, and they are located nearby one another. The samplings were carried out over a period of 4 years (2005–2008) using Hirst-type spore traps. Grass pollen is responsible for most spring allergic reactions in the pollen-sensitive population in central Spain, and they are very abundant in the atmosphere of this part of Iberian Peninsula. The average amount of this pollen type, as a percentage of the annual total pollen amount, is 7.4% in Aranjuez, 9.2% in Madrid and 11.3% in Toledo. Poaceae pollen is present in the atmosphere over a long period of time (February–October), and its maximum concentrations are detected during May and June (weeks 16–25). The city of Toledo has the highest annual concentrations of grass pollen (average 5,797 grains) with a great number of days exceeding the allergy thresholds proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA). Madrid and Aranjuez present similar annual concentrations of grass pollen with values of 2,961 grains and 2,751 grains, respectively. The correlation analysis between the daily levels of grass pollen and meteorological variables of temperature and rainfall show a significant correlation, positive with temperature (maximum, mean and minimum) and negative with rainfall. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10453-010-9191-x Authors Silvia Sabariego, Department of Plant Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain Rosa Pérez-Badia, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain Verónica Bouso, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain Montserrat Gutiérrez, Department of Plant Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    Comparative ecological and aerobiological analyses of ornamental urban flora in the cities of Córdoba (Spain) and Ascoli Piceno (Italy) identified a group of plants with allergenic pollen whose behaviour is influenced by a number of factors. The geographical position and the resulting climate of both cities favoured the presence of Mediterranean species. In Córdoba, strongly allergenic evergreens introduced during the Moorish period predominated ( Cupressus sempervirens, among others), while in the urban area of Ascoli Piceno, Pinaceae were abundant. In both cities, many species of American origin have been introduced for aesthetic reasons, contributing to an increase in the overall allergenicity of urban greenery. The pollen spectrum differed between the two cities: airborne Oleaceae and Cupressaceae pollen abounded in Córdoba, whilst allergenic pollen from surrounding natural environments ( Corylaceae ) predominated in Ascoli Piceno. These results pointed to a large number of potentially allergenic species in cities, thus highlighting the importance of greater ecological and aerobiological knowledge of allergenic species of urban ornamental flora. Avoidance of more allergenic species when planning new urban green areas could ensure healthier environments for pollen-allergy sufferers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10453-010-9193-8 Authors L. Staffolani, Department of Environmental Sciences, Botany and Ecology Section, University of Camerino, via Pontoni 5, 62032 Camerino, Italy M. J. Velasco-Jiménez, Department of Ecology, Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Córdoba, Colonia San José 4, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Córdoba, Spain C. Galán, Department of Ecology, Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Córdoba, Colonia San José 4, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Córdoba, Spain K. Hruska, Department of Environmental Sciences, Botany and Ecology Section, University of Camerino, via Pontoni 5, 62032 Camerino, Italy Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    Papaya is an economically important plant in Thailand for domestic consumption and export. However, papaya is extremely susceptible to disease caused by the papaya ring spot virus. Although transgenic papaya has been developed, commercial cultivation of transgenic plants in Thailand is still illegal. One concern is cross-pollination to conventional varieties. In this study, windborne-pollen dispersion of papaya ( Carica papaya L.) was investigated using geographic information systems (GIS) and remotely sensed data. Pollen traps were placed around a papaya plot in eight geographic directions, with radiuses varying from 5 to 900 m from the plot. Pollen counts were made for 12 different dates, and data were input into a GIS database. The distribution of pollen and its relation to land use were analyzed using land use data obtained from Quickbird imagery acquired during 2007. Comparative analyses of pollen dispersal, wind direction, and speed were made using data collected from a micro-climatic station set up at a papaya plot. The furthest distance from the plot that pollen was found was at 0.9 km, a distance at which only 1 pollen grain was found. The number of pollen grains carried by wind decreased as distance increased. The direction of dispersal was not in accordance with wind direction data. Most pollen grains were found in agricultural areas and bare land. The total number of pollen grains found in exposed areas was considerably higher than the total found in areas sheltered by dense tree lines. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10453-011-9197-z Authors Apichart Sritakae, Geoinformatics Laboratory, BIOTEC Central Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Patchara Praseartkul, Geoinformatics Laboratory, BIOTEC Central Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Wasinee Cheunban, Geoinformatics Laboratory, BIOTEC Central Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Poonsak Miphokasap, Geoinformatics Laboratory, BIOTEC Central Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Apisit Eiumnoh, Geoinformatics Laboratory, BIOTEC Central Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Parichart Burns, Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Namthip Phironrit, Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand Bencharong Phuangrat, Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand Panit Kitsubun, Biochemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Research and Development Unit, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi, Bangmod, Toongkru, Bangkok, Thailand Asawin Meechai, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangmod, Toongkru, Bangkok, Thailand Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965

Description:    This research was performed for the purpose of analysing the relationships between large-scale meteorological information, in particular the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and the Sea Surface Temperature (SST), and the timing and magnitude of the Cupressaceae pollen season in the Pistoia district of Central Italy. The results demonstrated that in specific periods of the year, the NAO index, by partially determining the distribution of the main meteorological variables over the study area, is negatively correlated with the start and the end, as well as the peak day of pollen concentration. Pollen data were also correlated with the SST of the North Atlantic Ocean east of the Azores for the September–December period of the previous year, which is significant for exploring possibilities in terms of predicting the timing and magnitude of the cypress pollen season. The analysis of such meteorological variables and indices could be used to improve the existing forecasting systems of the phenology of the cypress pollen season. Moreover, the possibility of using meteorological information freely available on internet could cut costs and reduce spatial and temporal representativeness limitations relating to weather monitoring in loco . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10453-010-9190-y Authors A. Dalla Marta, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine, 18, 50144 Florence, Italy D. Grifoni, CNR, Institute of Biometeorology, Via Caproni, 8, 50145 Florence, Italy T. Torrigiani Malaspina, Tuscany Region, Consorzio LAMMA, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy L. Cecchi, Interdepartmental Centre of Bioclimatology (CIBIC), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine, 18, 50144 Florence, Italy F. Barbano, Interdepartmental Centre of Bioclimatology (CIBIC), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine, 18, 50144 Florence, Italy M. Mancini, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine, 18, 50144 Florence, Italy S. Orlandini, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine, 18, 50144 Florence, Italy Journal Aerobiologia Online ISSN 1573-3025 Print ISSN 0393-5965