Improved recycling of a gasification fly ash: An integrated waste management approach within the framework of a Circular Economy.

A Circular Waste Management alternative is considered in this paper in which a complete ash valorization process is proposed for an Integrated Gasification with Combined Cycle fly ash, trying to extract maximum value from this waste before it is discarded. In the paper, germanium, a scarce resource vital in our modern society, is first extracted from fly ash using water, with an extraction yield of 85%, and subsequently, the leached fly ash is used in the manufacture of fire-resistant boards containing 60% ash, thereby avoiding its disposal in a landfill. The potential environmental impact caused by the two stages of the process was analyzed, and the final effluent was considered to achieve a zero-discharge objective. This paper contributes to the development of a more sustainable management alternative for an industrial waste produced in increased amounts and provides the basis for a symbiotic coupling relationship among various industrial sectors.

Electrokinetic and dielectric response of a concentrated salt-free colloid: Different approaches to counterion finite-size effects.

In the present work, a general model is developed for the electrokinetics and dielectric response of a concentrated salt-free colloid that takes into account the finite size of the counterions released by the particles to the solution. The effects associated with the counterion finite size have been addressed using a hard-sphere model approach elaborated by Carnahan and Starling [N. F. Carnahan and K. E. Starling, Equation of state for nonattracting rigid spheres, J. Chem. Phys. 51, 635 (1969)0021-960610.1063/1.1672048]. A more simple description of the finite size of the counterions based on that by Bikerman has also been considered for comparison. The studies carried out in this work include predictions on the effect of the finite counterion size on the equilibrium properties of the colloid and its electrokinetic and dielectric response when it is subjected to constant or alternating electric fields. The results show how important the counterion finite-size effects are for most of the electrokinetic and dielectric properties of highly charged and concentrated colloids, mainly for the static and dynamic electrophoretic mobilities. Furthermore, new insights are provided on the counterion condensation effect when counterions are allowed to have finite size. Focus is placed on the changes undergone by their concentration in the condensation layer for low-salt and highly charged colloids.

Electrokinetic detection of the salt-free condition in colloids. Application to polystyrene latexes.

Because of their singular phenomenology, the so-called salt-free colloids constitute a special family of dispersed systems. Their main characteristic is that the dispersion medium ideally contains only the solvent and the ions compensating exactly the surface charge of the particles. These ions (often called released counterions) come into the solution when the surface groups responsible for the particles charge get ionized. An increasing effort is nowadays dedicated to rigorously compare theoretical model predictions for ideal salt-free suspensions, where only the released counterions are supposed to be present in solution, with appropriately devised experiments dealing with colloids as close as possible to the ideal salt-free ones. Of course, if the supporting solution is aqueous, the presence of atmospheric contamination and any other charged species different from the released counterions in the solution must be avoided. Because this is not an easy task, the presence of dissolved atmospheric CO2 and of H+ and OH- from water dissociation cannot be fully discarded in aqueous salt-free solutions (often denominated realistic in such case). Ultimately, at some point, the role of the released counterions will be comparable or even larger in highly charged concentrated colloids than that of added salts. These topics are covered in the present contribution. The model results are compared with experimental data on the dynamic mobility and dielectric dispersion of polystyrene spheres of various charges and sizes. As a rule, it is found that the model correctly predicts the significance of alpha and Maxwell-Wagner-O'Konski relaxations. Positions and amplitudes of such relaxations are well predicted, although it is necessary to assume that the released counterions are potassium or sodium instead of protons, otherwise the frequency spectra of experimental mobility and permittivity differ very significantly from those theoretically calculated. The proposed electrokinetic evaluation is an ideal tool for detecting in situ the possible contamination (or incomplete ion exchange of the latexes). A satisfactory agreement is found when potassium counterions are assumed to be in solution, mostly if one considers that the comparison is carried out without using any adjustable parameters.

Influence of ion size effects on the electrokinetics of aqueous salt-free colloids in alternating electric fields.

Electrokinetics is the science of the physical phenomena appearing at the solid-liquid interface of dispersed particles subjected to external fields. Techniques based on electrokinetic phenomena constitute an important set of tools for the electrical characterization of colloids because of their sensitivity to the properties of particle-solution interfaces. Their rigorous description may require inclusion of the effects of finite size of chemical species in the theoretical models, and, particularly in the case of salt-free (no external salt added) aqueous colloids, also consideration of water dissociation and possible carbon dioxide contamination in the aqueous solution. A new ac electrokinetic model is presented for concentrated salt-free spherical colloids for arbitrary characteristics of the particles and aqueous solution, including finite-size effects of chemical species by appropriate modifications of the chemical reaction equations to include such non-ideal aspects. The numerical solution of the electrokinetic equations in an alternating electric field has also been carried out by using a realistic non-equilibrium scenario accounting for association-dissociation processes in the chemical reactions. The results demonstrate the importance of including finite-size effects in the electrokinetic response of the colloid, mainly at high frequencies of the electric field, and for highly charged colloids. Findings of previous models for pointlike ions or for ideal salt-free colloids including finite ion size effects are recovered with the present model, for the appropriate limiting conditions.

Environmental risks and mechanical evaluation of recycling red mud in bricks.

More and more by-products are being used in certain materials, especially in the construction industry. Natural construction materials contain amounts of heavy metals and radionuclides, but when by-products are used in these kinds of materials, this could lead to a growth in their concentrations and have a negative impact on public health.In this paper, red mud was used as a raw material (as a clay substitute) to manufacture fired bricks. Physical, mechanical, radiological and heavy metal leaching properties of fired bricks with a replacement ratio of up to 80 wt% of clay to red mud are discussed. In addition, the effect of different sintering temperatures (1173K and 1373K) was analyzed, and results showed that the higher the temperature produced, the higher the mechanical strength.To environmentally characterize materials, they were subjected to two different leaching tests: a batch test for raw materials and a monolithic test for the bricks, respectively. The results obtained were compared with the limits stated for several heavy metals by the European Landfill Directive. Results showed that red mud gives leachate concentration values for Cr higher than the limits stated for non-hazardous by-products. Bricks do not exhibit the same problem in the samples containing a high RM proportion and manufactured at a low sintering temperature (1173K), although in the case of V, a high concentration is observed.The contents of radionuclides such as Ra-220, Th-232 and K-40 of the final construction materials were analyzed and compared with different indexes. This paper indicates the maximum amounts of RM that can be used to replace clay for the manufacture of fired bricks without environmental risk.

Protamine composition of koala and wombat spermatozoa provides new insights into DNA stability following cryopreservation.

To investigate differences in the post-thaw DNA stability of koala and wombat spermatozoa, protamine amino acid sequences were compared and it was found that there were three more arginine residues for the wombat. Koala and wombat spermatozoa, cryopreserved using identical protocols, were examined for changes in sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) dynamics over 24h of post-thaw incubation. Following validation of a wombat sperm chromatin dispersion test, wombat DNA showed a rate of SDF that was 6-fold higher than for koala spermatozoa (P=0.038). Finally, we examined whether expected differences in chromatin compactness, associated with protamine sequence, had an effect on restriction site accessibility of sperm DNA. Thawed spermatozoa were exposed to Alu I and EcoR1 endonuclease restriction enzymes and the SDF dynamics were observed. Koala spermatozoa exposed to Alu I showed a greater rate of SDF (P=0.01), whereas wombat spermatozoa exposed to EcoR1 showed a greater rate of SDF (P=0.032). We conclude that restriction sites in these species are differentially present or exposed and potentially account for differences in SDF dynamics. Although differences in the arginine composition of protamine may explain relative differences in SDF following cryopreservation, they do not support the hypothesis that increased arginine composition increases DNA stability; rather, increased arginine composition in the wombat may reduce post-thaw chromatin swelling.

Effect of sperm dosage transportation in stallions: Effect on sperm DNA fragmentation.

Artificial insemination programs for horses usually involve ex vivo handling and transporting of sperm. The present experiment was designed to: (i) assess the effect of transportation on sperm DNA integrity at different time post semen collection, and (ii) evaluate if sperm DNA quality deteriorates rapidly beyond 24 h of cooled storage. After collection, the ejaculates were extended using INRA 96 and semen was prepared for prompt analysis (A0) or 24 h/48 h cooled-shipping (B24 and C48 respectively). Each sample was assessed for sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDFI) at time 0 and after incubation for 2, 6 and 24 h at 37 °C. There was very little difference in SDFI between freshly extended (A0) and 24 h/48 h cooled-transported semen samples (B24/C48) at time 0. After 2 h of incubation at 37 °C, there was an increase in SDFI ranging from 2.7% to 7.5% per hour in freshly extended semen samples (A0: 5.1 ± 1.5), while cooled-transported semen samples had a much greater increase in SDFI, ranging from 5.0% to 20.5% (B24: 14.7 ± 5.6) and from 8.2% to 26.8% (C48: 18.3 ± 7.2) respectively. There were not marked differences in the sperm DNA integrity between 24 and 48 h for transported samples, thus there is the possibility of desirable fertility with use of stallion sperm after 48 h of cooled storage.

The assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation in the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

Herein we report a method of assessing DNA fragmentation in the saltwater crocodile using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) after including frozen-thawed spermatozoa in a microgel (Halomax; Halotech DNA, Madrid, Spain). Following controlled protein depletion, which included a reducing agent, sperm nuclei with fragmented DNA showed a homogeneous and larger halo of chromatin dispersion with a corresponding reduced nucleoid core compared with sperm with non-fragmented DNA. The presence of DNA damage was confirmed directly by incorporation of modified nucleotides using in situ nick translation (ISNT) and indirectly by studying the correlation of the SCDt with the results of DNA damage visualisation using a two-tailed comet assay (r=0.90; P=0.037). Results of the SCDt immediately following thawing and after 5h incubation at 37°C in order to induce a range of DNA damage revealed individual crocodile differences in both the baseline level of DNA damage and DNA longevity.

Effects of freezing and activation on membrane quality and DNA damage in Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis spermatozoa.

There is growing concern over the effect of sperm cryopreservation on DNA integrity and the subsequent development of offspring generated from this cryopreserved material. In the present study, membrane integrity and DNA stability of Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis spermatozoa were evaluated in response to cryopreservation with or without activation, a process that happens upon exposure to water to spermatozoa of some aquatic species. A dye exclusion assay revealed that sperm plasma membrane integrity in both species decreased after freezing, more so for X. laevis than X. tropicalis spermatozoa. The sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test showed that for both X. tropicalis and X. laevis, activated frozen spermatozoa produced the highest levels of DNA fragmentation compared with all fresh samples and frozen non-activated samples (P<0.05). Understanding the nature of DNA and membrane damage that occurs in cryopreserved spermatozoa from Xenopus species represents the first step in exploiting these powerful model organisms to understand the developmental consequences of fertilising with cryopreservation-damaged spermatozoa.

Effect of management (organic vs conventional) on volatile profiles of six plum cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl.). A chemometric approach for varietal classification and determination of potential markers.

The volatile profiles of six plum cultivars ('Laetitia', 'Primetime', 'Sapphire', 'Showtime', 'Songold' and 'Souvenir') produced under two management systems (conventional and organic) and harvested in two consecutive years were obtained by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Twenty-five metabolites were determined, five of which (pentanal, (E)-2-heptenal, 1-octanol, eucalyptol and 2-pentylfuran) are reported for the first time in Prunus salicina Lindl. Hexanal stood out as a major volatile compound affected by the management system. In addition, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) achieved an effective classification of genotypes based on their volatile profiles. A high classification accuracy model was obtained with a sensitivity of 97.9% and a specificity of 99.6%. Furthermore, the application of a dual criterion, based on a method of variable selection, VIP (variable importance in projection) and the results of a univariate analysis (ANOVA), allowed the identification of potential volatile markers in 'Primetime', 'Showtime' and 'Souvenir' genotypes (cultivars not characterised to date).

Crisis drepanocítica y tratamiento del dolor / Sickle cell crisis and treatment of pain

La drepanocitosis incluye un grupo de desórdenes genéticamente heredados en los que a baja saturación de oxígeno ocurre la agregación de polímeros rígidos de hemoglobina S desoxigenada, otorgando forma de hoz al hematíe y dañando el endotelio vascular por medio de múltiples mecanismos, obstruyendo concomitantemente la microcirculación y produciendo una estimulación de nociceptores. Los pacientes con drepanocitosis pueden presentar múltiples tipos de dolor dependiendo de las estructuras lesionadas, siendo el de tipo músculo-esquelético el más frecuente. La base del manejo del dolor es el reconocimiento y la evaluación de la severidad, ya que de esta dependerá la prescripción del tratamiento analgésico. Las crisis vasooclusivas son la manifestación más característica de esta enfermedad. Una vez instaurado el dolor, el manejo inicial debe enfocarse en proveer control rápido del mismo, garantizándose dosis terapéuticas de los fármacos, y en la detección de complicaciones. Debe evitarse el uso no indicado de las terapias y el tratamiento infraterapéutico, acompañado de un seguimiento cuidadoso, prevención y tratamiento de los efectos adversos. El tratamiento del dolor crónico se hace de forma multidisciplinaria, considerando estrategias no farmacológicas (AU)

Drepanocytosis includes a group of genetically inherited disorders in which low oxygen saturation rigid polymers aggregation deoxygenated hemoglobin S occurs, giving the red cell sickling and damaging the vascular endothelium through multiple mechanisms, and concomitantly blocking microcirculation producing a stimulation of nociceptors. Patients with sickle cell disease may have multiple types of pain depending on the injured structures, being the most common musculoskeletal type. The basis of pain management is the recognition and assessment of severity, since this will depend prescription analgesic treatment. The vaso-occlusive crises are the most characteristic manifestation of this disease. Once established pain, initial management should focus on providing rapid control of it, ensuring therapeutic doses of drugs, and the detection of complications. The not indicated therapies, accompanied by careful monitoring, prevention and treatment of adverse effects subtherapeutic use and treatment should be avoided. We report a 14 year old, of African origin, diagnosed with drepanocytosis and alpha thalassemia heterozygous with acute severe pain in lower limbs. The treatment of chronic pain is a multidisciplinary manner, considering nonpharmacologic strategies (AU)

Spermatozoa of Sminthopsis murina (Mammalia: Metatheria) exhibit an unusually high degree of chromatin stability in the absence of disulphide bonding in protamine 1.

Although all but a single genus (Planigale) of the metatheria so far examined contain no cysteine residues in protamine 1, we report a remarkable level of chromatin stability in the spermatozoa of the common dunnart, Sminthopsis murina. S. murina cauda epididymal spermatozoa and somatic epithelial cells were exposed to a combination of graded treatments to lyse sperm protein and induce sperm DNA damage via standard freeze-thaw protocols and post-thaw incubation at 37°C for 48h, exposure to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the enzyme AluI restriction endonuclease. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the comet assay and sperm chromatin dispersal test. Although S. murina somatic cells showed DNA fragmentation following protein lysis and after treatment with all the protocols specifically designed to induce chromatin damage, sperm DNA fragmentation was only observed following moderate to severe proteolytic exposure and treatment with the restriction endonuclease; there was also an increase in the baseline halo of spermatozoa treated with an aggressive reducing agent, but no corresponding evidence of fragmented DNA, suggesting that cysteine residues may be functioning to conform tertiary and/or quaternary chromatin structure. Given that the protamine 1 of S. murina contains no cysteine, we suggest that the source of these residues is possibly the histone fraction of the chromatin and that the high level of stability is potentially related to prolonged sperm survival in the female's reproductive tract.

Validation of the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test in the amphibian Xenopus laevis using in situ nick translation and comet assay.

The integrity of sperm DNA is becoming increasingly recognised as an important parameter of semen quality, but there are no published reports of this procedure for any amphibian. The primary aim of this study was to apply a modified sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test (Halomax) to an amphibian sperm model (African clawed frog; Xenopus laevis) and to validate the assay against in situ nick translation (ISNT) and the double-comet assay procedure. Inactivated spermatozoa were collected from fresh testes (n=3). Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) for each sperm sample was conducted immediately following activation (T0) and again after 1h (T1) and 24h (T24) of incubation at room temperature in order to produce a range of spermatozoa with differing levels of DNA damage. The SCD procedure resulted in the production of three nuclear morphotypes; amphibian sperm morphotype 1 (ASM-1) and ASM-2 showed no evidence of DNA damage, whereas ASM-3 spermatozoa were highly fragmented with large halos of dispersed DNA fragments and a reduced nuclear core. ISNT confirmed that ASM-3 nuclei contained damaged DNA. There was a significant correlation (r=0.9613) between the levels of ASM-3 detected by the SCD test and SDF revealed by the double-comet assay.

Dielectric relaxation in concentrated nonaqueous colloidal suspensions.

In this work we report on the permittivity of suspensions of elongated goethite particles in silicone oils of different viscosities. In spite of the low conductivity of the systems, the electrode polarization is significant. To correct this phenomenon, the procedure chosen is the one called logarithmic derivative of the real part of the permittivity, and it proves to efficiently reduce the effect of electrodes to the extent that the spectra of pure liquids are flat in the accessible frequency range (20 Hz-1 MHz). In our suspensions, we observe the presence of a dielectric relaxation for frequencies in the range 4-40 kHz. In principle, such relaxations might be ascribed to the Maxwell-Wagner (MW) polarization. However, it is found that both the characteristic frequency and the relaxation amplitude of the suspensions increase with volume fraction, something unexpected for an MW relaxation. Such discrepancy can be explained by considering the Frenkel-Trukhan model, which reproduces the Maxwell-Wagner results in conditions of thin electrical double layers (which it is not our case). An excellent agreement is found between our data and the model predictions, using only the particle surface charge as a parameter.

Curcumin prevents maleate-induced nephrotoxicity: relation to hemodynamic alterations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial oxygen consumption and activity of respiratory complex I.

The potential protective effect of the dietary antioxidant curcumin (120 mg/Kg/day for 6 days) against the renal injury induced by maleate was evaluated. Tubular proteinuria and oxidative stress were induced by a single injection of maleate (400 mg/kg) in rats. Maleate-induced renal injury included increase in renal vascular resistance and in the urinary excretion of total protein, glucose, sodium, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and N-acetyl ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), upregulation of kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, decrease in renal blood flow and claudin-2 expression besides of necrosis and apoptosis of tubular cells on 24 h. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the oxidation of lipids and proteins and diminution in renal Nrf2 levels. Studies were also conducted in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells and in mitochondria isolated from kidneys of all the experimental groups. Maleate induced cell damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in LLC-PK1 cells in culture. In addition, maleate treatment reduced oxygen consumption in ADP-stimulated mitochondria and diminished respiratory control index when using malate/glutamate as substrate. The activities of both complex I and aconitase were also diminished. All the above-described alterations were prevented by curcumin. It is concluded that curcumin is able to attenuate in vivo maleate-induced nephropathy and in vitro cell damage. The in vivo protection was associated to the prevention of oxidative stress and preservation of mitochondrial oxygen consumption and activity of respiratory complex I, and the in vitro protection was associated to the prevention of ROS production.

Wolbachia effects in natural populations of Chorthippus parallelus from the Pyrenean hybrid zone.

We evaluate for the first time the effect of Wolbachia infection, involving two different supergroups, on the structure and dynamics of the hybrid zone between two subspecies of Chorthippus parallelus (Orthoptera) in the Pyrenees. Wolbachia infection showed no effects on female fecundity or a slight increment in females infected by F supergroup, although in the last case it has to be well established. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is confirmed in crosses carried out in the field between individuals from a natural hybrid population. This CI, registered as the relative reduction in embryo production (sh ), was of sh = 0.355 and sh = 0.286 in unidirectional crosses involving B and F supergroups, respectively. CI also occurred in bidirectional crosses (sh = 0.147) but with a weaker intensity. The transmission rates of the two Wolbachia strains (B and F) were estimated by the optimization of a theoretical model to reach the infection frequencies observed in certain population. To fit this scenario, both supergroups should present transmission rates close to 1. Further, we have simulated the infection dynamics, and hence, the capacity of Wolbachia to structure the population of the host insects and to affect to reproduction and genetic introgression in the hybrid zone. This represents a first example of the influence of Wolbachia in an insect natural hybrid zone.

Low fructose and low salt diets increase mitochondrial DNA in white blood cells of overweight subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sodium and fructose restriction on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and systemic oxidative stress in a sample of overweight and pre hypertensive subjects. MATERIAL/METHODS: Data and blood samples were collected from 36 overweight and pre hypertensive patients randomly assigned to either an isocaloric (with respect to baseline) low sodium-fructose diet or an isocaloric low sodium diet. Patients were followed for 8 weeks. We measured mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content from peripheral blood white cells by Real-time PCR and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) as markers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RESULTS: Compared to baseline, at week 8 there was a continued and significant increase in mtDNA in both the low sodium diet group [2.4 vs. 13.1 (relative copy number), p<0.05] and the low sodium diet-fructose group (1.9 vs. 147.2, p<0.05). By week 8 there was a continued decrease in plasma DNPH levels in the low sodium diet group (4.6 vs. 2.6, p<0.05) and in the low sodium diet-fructose group (5.8 vs. 2.2, p<0.05). No significant differences were found with MDA. CONCLUSION: Our studies suggest that simple dietary measures such as reducing salt with or without restricting fructose can increase mtDNA and improve markers of oxidative stress.

Mixed production of filamentous fungal spores for preventing soil-transmitted helminth zoonoses: a preliminary analysis.

Helminth zoonoses are parasitic infections shared by humans and animals, being the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) mainly caused by roundworms (ascarids) and hookworms. This study was aimed to assess the individual and/or mixed production of two helminth-antagonistic fungi, one ovicide (Mucor circinelloides) and other predator (Duddingtonia flagrans). Fungi were grown both in Petri plates and in a submerged culture (composed by water, NaCl, Na2HPO4 · 12 H2O, and wheat (Triticum aestivum)). A Fasciola hepatica recombinant protein (FhrAPS) was incorporated to the cultures to improve fungal production. All the cultured plates showed fungal growth, without difference in the development of the fungi when grown alone or mixed. High counts of Mucor spores were produced in liquid media cultures, and no significant differences were achieved regarding single or mixed cultures, or the incorporation of the FhrAPS. A significantly higher production of Duddingtonia spores after the incorporation of the FhrAPS was observed. When analyzing the parasiticide efficacy of the fungal mixture, viability of T. canis eggs reduced to 51%, and the numbers of third stage cyathostomin larvae reduced to 4%. It is concluded, the capability of a fungal mixture containing an ovicide (Mucor) and a predator species (Duddingtonia) for growing together in a submerged medium containing the FhrAPS offers a very interesting tool for preventing STHs.

Estado de salud y discapacidad a los dos años y procesos de atención de prematuros en maternidades públicas de Rosario / State of health and disability at two years old and attention of prematures in public maternities of Rosario

INTRODUCCIÓN La prematurez ejerce una marcada influencia sobre la mortalidad infantil. Los niños prematuros poseen marcadas desventajas respecto a los recién nacidos sanos. Sus condiciones diferentes y definidas de salud los exponen a una probabilidad mayor de secuelas, patologías crónicas y muerte en la primera infancia. OBJETIVOS Analizar el estado de salud de niños ex prematuros (ExPT) y con muy bajo peso al nacer, comparados con un grupo control (GC) de nacidos de término. Evaluar el proceso de atención posterior al alta hospitalaria recibida. MÉTODOS Se estudió a 66 niños ExPT a los dos años de edad corregida y 49 niños de dos años nacidos sanos (todos nacidos en cuatro maternidades públicas de Rosario entre enero de 2011 y marzo de 2012). Se evaluó y comparó la frecuencia de compromiso de distintos componentes del estado de salud desarrollo cognitivo (escala CAT/ CLAMS), examen neurológico (grilla Amiel-Tisson), función motora (escala GMFS), audición, función visual y crecimiento por antropometría. Se definió la presencia o no de discapacidad moderada o grave. El proceso de atención se evaluó por datos de las historias clínicas y entrevistas a las familias. RESULTADOS Se obtuvo neurodesarrollo acorde en el 75% de ExPT y en el 100% del GC (p<0.01), retraso cognitivo en el 44% de ExPT y 21% GC (OR 2,9; IC95% 1,2-6,9) y baja talla en el 15% de ExPT y 2% en el GC (p<0,04). Hubo diferencias muy significativas de discapacidad total entre ambos grupos. En la descripción del proceso de atención de ExPT, los controles de salud fueron adecuados en un 50% y parcialmente adecuados en un 27,3%. DISCUSIÓN Los pacientes prematuros presentaron mayor compromiso del estado de salud que la población control. Los factores socioeconómicos tuvieron impacto en el resultado de discapacidad. La evaluación del proceso de atención fue inadecuada en la mayoría de los pacientes.

First Report of Fruit Rot on Plum Caused by Monilinia fructicola at Alcalá del Río (Seville), Southwestern Spain.

Monilinia fructicola, causal agent of brown rot, is one of the most important fungal pathogens of stone fruit. In the summer of 2011, Japanese plum fruit of 'Larry Ann' (Prunus salicina Lindl) showing symptoms of fruit rot disease were detected and collected from trees in an experimental field at Alcalá del Río (Seville), southwestern Spain. Fruit rot lesions were brown, sunken, and covered with grayish brown tufts or pustules. The majority of infected fruit became dry and mummified on the trees after 30 days. Symptoms were similar to those caused by three Monilinia species, M. laxa, M. fructigena, and M. fructicola (2). Pieces of infected tissue, previously disinfested in 0.6% NaOCl, were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 50 µg of streptomycin per liter and incubated at 22°C with a 12-h photoperiod for 15 days. The isolates produced abundant, grayish white mycelium, which after sporulation became hazel in color, and colonies displayed concentric rings. Colonies produced scarce conidia, which were arranged in branched, monilioid chains. Conidia were one celled, hyaline, ellipsoid to lemon shaped, and measured 15.42 ± 1.91 × 8.02 ± 0.9 µm. The morphological data and growth rates match the description of M. fructicola (Winter) Honey (2-4). Fungal identification was confirmed by PCR using genomic DNA extracted from the mycelia of pure cultures. The DNA was amplified with a common reverse primer and three specific forward primers obtained from a sequence-characterized, amplified region that distinguishes between M. fructicola, M. fructigena, and M. laxa. The size of the amplified fragment (a product of 535 bp) fit with the one described for M. fructicola (2). To confirm the pathogenicity of the isolate, mature 'Larry Ann' and 'Sungold' plum fruits (six fruits per cultivar) were inoculated by placing an agar plug from the edge of an actively growing colony on PDA directly on the fruit surface. After 5 days of incubation, typical brown rot symptoms developed on inoculated fruit and the fungus was successfully reisolated, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. No symptoms appeared on control fruit. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. fructicola on plums in southwestern Spain. M. fructicola is a quarantined pathogen in Europe and has been reported on imported apricot and nectarine (1) and peach in several European countries (3,4). References: (1) E. Bosshard et al. Plant Dis. 90:1554, 2006. (2) M. J. Côté. Plant Dis. 88:1219, 2004. (3) A. De Cal and I. Gell. Plant Dis. 93:763, 2009. (4). C. Pellegrino et al. Plant Dis. 93:668, 2009.