Biochemical changes in needles of Pinus radiata D. Don trees in relationship to long-term ozone exposure indices.

Ambient concentrations of ozone in Europe are high enough to cause negative effects on vegetation. Therefore, many efforts have been made to determine exposure indices and critical levels for protection of vegetation. In this context, the choice of a suitable attribute to determine the pollutant effect is of paramount importance. Until now, much of the work has been done with attributes such as biomass or growth. In the present work correlation factors have been established between biochemical parameters (peroxidase activity, ascorbate and sulfhydryl contents) of Pinus radiata trees and exposure indices of ozone. Our results show that peroxidase cannot be used as an indicator of effects of long-term exposure to ozone but still remains as an excellent indicator of short-term ozone fluctuations in the field. Ascorbate may act as an intermediate indicator responding to both short fluctuations and long-term exposures to ozone. Finally, sulfhydryl may be used as a long-term indicator in relation to the AOT (average over threshold) exposure index. Our results also point to the fact that Pinus radiata may be affected by ozone at AOT values lower than 10 ppm.h as already observed with other tree species.

Sinusitis alérgica micótica / Allergic fungal sinusitis

Desde que la sinusitis alérgica micótica fue descripta inicialmente por Millar y cols. en 1981, se ha tratado de definir y explicar esta enfermedad. Ha sido comparada con la aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica; sin embargo, no puede ser categorizada tan fácilmente. De acuerdo con la literatura que existe hasta el momento, hay cinco criterios mayores y seis características asociadas, o criterios menores, para definir esta enfermedad. En realidad, la mayoría de los pacientes pueden presentar los cinco criterios mayores o las otras características asociadas durante los años de evolución. No sólo es difícil el diagnóstico de esta patología, sino también es complicado su manejo. Para un control efectivo de la enfermedad y evitar las recurrencias, el tratamiento incluye cirugía endoscópica de los senos y terapia médica a largo plazo; esto es: corticoides por vía oral y nasal, inmunoterapia con alergenos y antifúngicos.(AU)

Since allergic fungal sinusitis was initially described by Millar et al, in 1981, many have tried to define and explain the disorder. It has been labeled as the sinonasal equivalent of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; however, allergic fungal sinusitis cannot be categorized so easily. According to current literature, there are five major criteria and six associated characteristics, or minor criteria, of patients with allergic fungal sinusitis. This disease is not only difficult to diagnose, but one of the most complicated conditions rhinologists must manage. Endoscopic sinus surgery must be used in conjunction with long-term medical therapy, i.e., oral and nasal corticosteroids, allergen immunotherapy and antifungal therapy to effectively control the problem.(AU)