This book presents the latest scientific knowledge on the role of pollens in triggering respiratory allergies and offers up-to-date guidance on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pollen allergy. Detailed information is supplied on allergenic plants and on the complex associations between pollen allergy and local weather conditions, air pollution, and climate change. Readers will learn how climate change in particular is impacting on pollen concentrations, pollen allergenicity, the pollen season, and plant and pollen distribution. A further important feature is the presentation of a forecasting system for allergenic pollens that takes into account a variety of meteorological factors and is designed to be of benefit to allergy patients. This up-to-date scientific knowledge is complemented by clear guidance on all aspects of the management of pollen allergy. The closing chapters address global trends in allergy research and future prospects for pollen allergy. The book will appeal both to researchers seeking state of the art information on the topic and to clinicians wishing to optimize patient care.

The present edition of "Current Insights in Pollen Allergens" provides recent aspects related to pollen allergy, a major medical problem which is still under thorough studies. The chapters of this book will be of significant value to those interested to get notions about molecular basis of pollen allergy, such as allergen proteins polymorphism and its implications in allergic disease, cross-reactivity between pollen and pollen-plant food derived allergens, as well as strategies for clinical trial and future research. This book also provides insights about the application of molecular tools in allergens detection and quantification such as "multiplex methods", helping in the development of the standardization process of pollen protein extracts, ensuring efficiency and safety in allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy, but also exploring factors that affect allergen product expression (environmental factors), and alternative effective anti-allergic and/or preventative strategies for allergic diseases.

Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health.

The Mediterranean region contains a diverse and interesting climate ranging from areas with permanent glaciers to areas of subtropical, semiarid regions. The region is potentially sensitive to climate change and its progress has environmental, social, and economic implications within and beyond the region. Produced by the Mediterranean Climate Variability and Predictability Research Networking Project, this book reviews the evolution of the Mediterranean climate over the past two millennia with projections further into the twenty-first century as well as examining in detail various aspects of the Mediterranean region's climate including evolution, atmospheric variables, and oceanic and land elements. Integrated with this, the book also considers the social and economic problems or vulnerabilities associated with the region. Written and reviewed by multiple researchers to ensure a high level of information presented clearly, Mediterranean Climate Variables will be an invaluable source of information for geologists, oceanographers, and anyone interested in learning more about the Mediterranean climate. Written by leading experts in the field Presents clear, compelling, and concise evidence Includes the latest thinking in Mediterranean climate research