Such capability permits the testing of allergen particular novel immunotherapies within a handled environment while accommodating up to 140 participants per research session. Authors contributions AKE was the main Investigator, developed the process, oversaw the scholarly study, co-developed the manuscript with MS, and made certain critical revision from the manuscript. with authorization from ? Ellis et al. [18] licensee BioMed Central. 2015 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Exposure Device (EEU) procedure The EEU permits reliable allergen publicity as high as 140 participants simultaneously while controlling the surroundings whatever the outdoor weather conditions. A custom-engineered computer and laser-aided system controls the dispersion of a predetermined concentration of pollen from a single point of delivery. The pollen is propelled using directional fans over the seating area. Rotorod? samplers (Sampling Technologies Inc, Minnetonka, Minnesota), placed in seven specific locations around the seating area, typically sample the pollen in the air every 30?min, allowing for the assessment of pollen concentration at each location (Fig.?1) [13C15]. Custom microcontroller regulated rotorods developed by the Allergy Research Unit team monitor and transmit their revolutions per minute (RPM) data, along with date and time stamp, wirelessly to the research data management system, and store information locally on secure digital storage. Sensors that monitor RPM, battery condition and rotorod spindle movement provide visual and audible feedback on-screen and through warning LED lights as well as a speaker PF-03084014 in order to be able to alert of any potential operational issues. If required, environmental sensors can be fitted to the microcontroller to provide PF-03084014 additional point source data of that particular location [15]. Through minor adjustments in the pollen dispersion system or directional fans during the exposure visit, pollen concentration remains consistent throughout the unit [16]. A special ventilation system effectively controls the indoor environment, providing 100?% filtered fresh outdoor air, while controlling humidity (adjusted between 40 and 60?%) and temperature (18C22?C), and the CO2-laden air is exhausted outdoors [8]. The system is capable of replacing the volume of the room with filtered fresh air once every 12?min, while maintaining the pre-set temperature and humidity. Due to the geographical location of the EEU and the high prevalence of ragweed allergy in Kingston, ON, ragweed has been extensively used as the allergen of choice during clinical trials [10, 17, 18]. Recently, there has been a growing need to validate and use other allergens for the evaluation of allergen specific immunotherapies in facilities like the EEU, as opposed to previous studies of anti-histamines and intranasal corticosteroids, where the specific allergen used is not as critical [10, 17C19]. Since different pollens have varying physical properties such as weight and air dynamics, which would affect their suspension Rabbit polyclonal to TOP2B in the air and ultimately the concentration, there is a need to evaluate the distribution and clinical effects of different pollens within the EEU before incorporating their use into future clinical studies. The use of grass pollen was most recently evaluated in the EEU, providing clinical validation of its use, and determining the pollen concentration and distribution requirements needed to reach predetermined symptom scores [16]. Ragweed pollen has a barbed and spiky PF-03084014 surface giving it a sticky property and the clumping of pollen grains together may cause it to remain aloft during increased air current velocities (Fig.?2). Birch pollen, which has a comparable particle size to ragweed (20C22 microns compared to 18C20 microns for ragweed), would be expected to share similar air suspension characteristics. Having three raised pores on its surface, birch pollen may be able to remain suspended in the air for longer periods before falling out of air currents and coming to rest, similar to the effect of spikes on ragweed pollen. A birch pollen concentration of 3500??500 grains.