Heterogeneity of pollen food allergy syndrome in seven Southern European countries: The @IT.2020 multicenter study

Background Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a frequently underdiagnosed disease due to diverse triggers, clinical presentations, and test results. This is especially relevant in geographic areas with a broad spectrum of pollen sensitization, such as Southern Europe. Objectives To elucidate similarities and differences of PFAS in nine Southern European centers and identify associated characteristics and unique markers of PFAS. Methods As part of the @IT.2020 Multicenter Study, 815 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), aged 10-60 years, were recruited in seven countries. They completed questionnaires regarding SAR, comorbidities, family history, and PFAS, and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) and serum IgE testing. Results Of the 815 patients, 167 (20.5%) reported PFAS reactions. Most commonly, eliciting foods were kiwi (58, 34.7%), peach (43, 25.7%), and melon (26, 15.6%). Reported reactions were mostly local (216/319, 67.7%), occurring within 5 min of contact with elicitors (209/319, 65.5%). Associated characteristics included positive IgE to at least one panallergen (profilin, PR-10, or nsLTP) (p = 0.007), maternal PFAS (OR: 3.716, p = 0.026), and asthma (OR: 1.752, p = 0.073). Between centers, heterogeneity in prevalence (Marseille: 7.5% vs. Rome: 41.4%, p < 0.001) and of clinical characteristics was apparent. Cypress played a limited role, with only 1/22 SPT mono-sensitized patients reporting a food reaction (p < 0.073). Conclusions PFAS is a frequent comorbidity in Southern European SAR patients. Significant heterogeneity of clinical characteristics in PFAS patients among the centers was observed and may be related to the different pollen sensitization patterns in each geographic area. IgE to panallergen(s), maternal PFAS, and asthma could be PFAS-associated characteristics

“Whole” vs. “fragmented” approach to EAACI pollen season definitions: A multicenter study in six Southern European cities

Background: The adequate definition of pollen seasons is essential to facilitate a correct diagnosis, treatment choice, and outcome assessment in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. A position paper by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) proposed season definitions for Northern and Middle Europe. Objective: To test the pollen season definitions proposed by EAACI in six Mediterranean cities for seven pollen taxa. Methods: As part of the @IT.2020 multi-center study, pollen counts for Poaceae, Oleaceae, Fagales, Cupressaceae, Urticaceae (Parietaria spp.), and Compositae (Ambrosia spp., Artemisia spp.) were collected from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Based on these data, pollen seasons were identified according to EAACI criteria. A unified monitoring period for patients in AIT trials was created and assessed for feasibility. Results: The analysis revealed a great heterogeneity between the different locations in terms of pattern and length of the examined pollen seasons. Further, we found a fragmentation of pollen seasons in several segments (max. 8) separated by periods of low pollen counts (intercurrent periods). Potential monitoring periods included often many recording days with low pollen exposure (max. 341 days). Conclusion: The Mediterranean climate leads to challenging pollen exposure times. Monitoring periods for AIT trials based on existing definitions may include many intermittent days with low pollen concentrations. Therefore, it is necessary to find an adapted pollen season definition as individual solution for each pollen and geographical area

Reproductive and pollination biology of the Critically Endangered endemic Campanula vardariana in Western Anatolia (Turkey)

WOS:000635926700006Background and aims - Campanula vardariana (Campanulaceae) is a critically endangered endemic chasmophyte with a single population situated in the west of Turkey. Very little is known about the reproductive biology of C. vardariana and more information is needed to develop a sound conservation strategy for this endemic species. Material and methods - Floral traits such as flower morphology, nectar, and sugar concentration, as well as pollen viability and stigma receptivity were measured in different floral phases. We observed insect visitations to the flowers and identified pollinators. Additionally, we investigated the effect of cross and self-pollination on fruit and seed production. Key results - The flowers of C. vardariana are protandrous. The length of the styles, which were 8.74 mm during the pollen loading phase, reached 11.35 mm during the pollen presentation phase. The visitor observations made on the C. vardariana flowers revealed 11 visitor species from 5 families: 5 Halictidae, 3 Apidae, and one species each from Megachilidae, Colletidae, and Bombyliidae. Lasioglossum spp. touched the anthers and stigma using several parts of their bodies and were significant pollinators of C. vardariana. Under natural conditions, the mean number of seeds per fruit was around 60 after cross pollination, while no fruits were formed when pollinators were excluded. Conclusion - Campanula vardariana is entirely dependent on pollinators for its reproductive success, and bees, especially Halictidae and to a lesser extent Apidae, play an important role. Campanula vardariana is restricted to cracks in calcareous rocks and its population is threatened by goat overgrazing and mining activities (quarry formation). Since seed production is abundant in this population, anthropogenic activities currently form the biggest threat to its existence.Ege University Rector Scientific Research Project Office [2012-FEN-019]; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [112T598]; Science, Technology Application and Research Center of Ege University (EBILTEM)Ege University [2013/BIL/017]The present study was supported by the Ege University Rector Scientific Research Project Office (Project No: 2012-FEN-019), the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK Project No: 112T598), and the Science, Technology Application and Research Center of Ege University (EBILTEM Project No: 2013/BIL/017). We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr Fatih Dikmen, Istanbul University, Science Faculty, Biology and Zoology Department for his valuable contributions to the identification of pollinators

AN OVERVIEW OF THE ATMOSPHERIC POLLEN IN TURKEY AND THE NORTHERN CYPRUS

WOS: 000315358800026The qualitative and quantitative analysis of atmospheric pollen on regional basis in different countries has increased. The reason for this is that pollen grains are a major cause for allergic asthma and hay fever (pollinosis) in sensitive people in particular children. Data obtained by using gravimetric (cm(2)/pollen grains) and volumetric (m(3)/pollen grains) methods in Turkey and the Northern Cyprus show, pollen concentrations during March, April, May, June and July are very high, but the densities vary on monthly basis depending on the phytogeographical division investigated. In general the dominant pollens in the atmosphere belong to Alnus glutinosa, Carpinus, Castanea sativa, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Cupressaceae, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Fagus orientalis, Juglans regia, Morus, Olea europaea, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Pinus, Pistacia, Plantago., Platanus orientalis, Poaceae, Populus, Quercus and Urticaceae. In this paper, an attempt is made to present an overview of the studies undertaken on the pollen calendars of Turkey and the Northern Cyprus during the last few decades and their allergenic effects. This will contribute in the treatment of allergic diseases as well as improve the quality of life of people sensitive to pollen allergies

Heterostyly in Linum aretioides

WOS: 000321228000012The petal width; sepal, pistil, and stamen lengths; and changes in pollen sizes associated with heterostyly of different morphs in populations of Linum aretioides Boiss. were investigated. Fruit sets were compared in 2 populations and it was investigated whether the Bozdag population has a heteromorphic incompatibility system. It was observed that the stamen lengths of thrum morphs of Bozdag were shorter than those of thrum morphs of Babadag. Pistil lengths of both morphs of Bozdag were longer than those of morphs of Babadag. Pollen shapes of both morphs were prolate-spheroidal and subprolate, respectively, in the Bozdag population and subprolate in the Babadag population. It was determined that pollen exine in the short-styled and long-styled flowers was dimorphic. The pollen bore a marginal ring of 4 to 8 spinules in the thrum morphs and of 3 to 7 spinules in the pin morphs. It was found that the highest rates of fruit set occurred during cross-hand pollination from pin morphs to thrum morphs and from thrum morphs to pin morphs (77.77% and 71.42%, respectively). It was shown that in L. aretioides self-pollinations and pollinations between plants of the same morph are incompatible.TUBITAKTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [104T340]We would like to extend our thanks to TUBITAK (Project no: 104T340) for its financial support

An overview of the coastal zone plant diversity and management strategies in the mediterranean region of Turkey

International Conference on Biosaline Agriculture and Salinity Tolerance in Plants -- JAN, 2005 -- Mugla Univ, Mugla, TURKEYWOS: 000239060000010Turkish Natl Res Council, UNESCO-Doha, Toros Gubre-Mugl

Multipurpose plant systems for renovation of waste waters

WOS: 000244443300004Two promising aquatic macrophytes Lemna minor (Duckweed) and Eichornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth); were used to test their cleaning ability for domestic waste waters in lagoons with one entry point and three outlets in 1996 (floatation rate 110 m(3)/day; BOD(5) 130-170 mg/l; pH 13.5). E. crassipes plants (5+ 5 roots, 25 cm long) were cultured in two lagoons and L. minor in one lagoon. Both species failed to grow due to a high pH. In 1997 the pH of water was neutralized to 6-7 before plant introduction in to the lagoons. L. minor plants did not grow due to overgrowth of rushes. However, E. crassipes grew very well and a total of 3 100 and 3400 roots were counted after 90 days with average heights of 70-75 cm, during this year. These plants showed high absorptive capacity. The dry weight of the harvested plants showed a parallelism to the prevalence with 80.160 kg dry weight. Phenological observations revealed that 80-90% of the plants covering the lagoon surface bloomed and water coming from the outlet became clear enough with a BOD(5) value of 30-40 and 50-80 mg/l. In a later experiment L. minor (20 plants) was cultured in a tank in May 2001 (BOD(5) 130, COD 170, suspended matter 35.2 mg/l). In all 1100 plants/m(2) were counted at the end of 90 days. After harvesting Lemna plants, water analysis showed that BOD(5) was 39.27, total nitrogen content 43, phosphorus 2, potassium 1.67, Pb 0.02, Cd 0.005, and Cr 0.05 mg/l. Renovated and non-renovated waters were used for irrigation of lawns covered by the grass species like Lolium perenne and L. italicum. These species behaved better when sprayed with 100% renovated water than mixed or non-renovated waters

VARIATIONS IN THE PROLINE AND TOTAL PROTEIN CONTENTS IN ORIGANUM SIPYLEUM L. FROM DIFFERENT ALTITUDES OF SPIL MOUNTAIN, TURKEY

WOS: 000315358800076Soil samples and leaves of Origanum sipyleum L., were collected from 5 different altitudes of Spil mountain situated in the State of Manisa in the West Anatolian part of Turkey. The soils were analysed to determine pH, organic matter content, calcium carbonate and other chemical constituents. The photosynthetic pigment, proline and total protein contents of leaves were also determined. Results obtained showed that O. sipyleum grows on sandy-loam soils, rich in organic matter content, with pH varying between 6.11-6.97. It prefers slightly acidic and neutral soils, rich in N and P, but poor in K. The physiological analyses revealed that total protein and proline contents increased whereas photosynthetic pigment decreased at 520 and 790m altitudes. All parameters decreased at 1020 and 1150m altitudes. A statistically significant correlation was observed at higher altitudes