Absceso tubo-ovárico por granulicatella adiacens. Descripción de un caso / Tubo-ovarian abscess due to granulicatella adiacens. A review of a case

La mayoría de los abscesos tubo-ováricos son debidos a complicaciones asociadas a la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica. Sin embargo, una minoría son secundarios a otros procesos como neoplasias o patologías intrabdominales. Se presenta el caso de un absceso tubo-ovárico, en una mujer de 36 años, intervenida previamente de apendicectomía. En el cultivo del material de drenaje del absceso creció Granulicatella adiacens, un microrganismo no involucrado habitualmente en este tipo de infecciones. Tras la descripción del caso, se discute la etiología de los abscesos tubo-ováricos y las peculiaridades del microorganismo implicado. (AU)

Most tubo-ovarian abscesses are due to complications associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. However, a minority are second-ary to other processes such as neoplasms or intraabdominal pathologies. A case of tubo-ovarian abscess is presented, in a 36-year-old woman, previously operated on for appendectomy. Granulicatella adiacens, a microorganism not usually involved in this type of infection, grew in the culture of the drainage material of the abscess. After the description of the case, the etiology of the tubo-ovarian abscesses and the peculiarities of the microorganism involved are discussed. (AU)

A persistent ultraviolet outflow from an accreting neutron star binary transient.

All disc-accreting astrophysical objects produce powerful disc winds. In compact binaries containing neutron stars or black holes, accretion often takes place during violent outbursts. The main disc wind signatures during these eruptions are blue-shifted X-ray absorption lines, which are preferentially seen in disc-dominated 'soft states'1,2. By contrast, optical wind-formed lines have recently been detected in 'hard states', when a hot corona dominates the luminosity3. The relationship between these signatures is unknown, and no erupting system has as yet revealed wind-formed lines between the X-ray and optical bands, despite the many strong resonance transitions in this ultraviolet (UV) region4. Here we report that the transient neutron star binary Swift J1858.6-0814 exhibits wind-formed, blue-shifted absorption lines associated with C IV, N V and He II in time-resolved UV spectroscopy during a luminous hard state, which we interpret as a warm, moderately ionized outflow component in this state. Simultaneously observed optical lines also display transient blue-shifted absorption. Decomposing the UV data into constant and variable components, the blue-shifted absorption is associated with the former. This implies that the outflow is not associated with the luminous flares in the data. The joint presence of UV and optical wind features reveals a multi-phase and/or spatially stratified evaporative outflow from the outer disc5. This type of persistent mass loss across all accretion states has been predicted by radiation-hydrodynamic simulations6 and helps to explain the shorter-than-expected duration of outbursts7.

Tratamiento del equinismo con yesos progresivos / Treatment of equinus with serial casting

Introducción El pie equino en niños produce un patrón de marcha inestable e ineficiente y un inadecuado posicionamiento en silla de ruedas. El tratamiento mediante ciclo de yesos seriados mantiene el rango de movimiento, facilitando el desarrollo de patrones de movimiento normales. Su uso combinado con toxina botulínica tiene efectos beneficiosos demostrados, pero faltan pautas para establecer el protocolo de tratamiento óptimo. Objetivo Describir las características de la población con equinismo de diversa etiología y determinar la efectividad del tratamiento con yesos. Valorar su uso junto con toxina botulínica en pacientes con parálisis cerebral espástica. Material y método Estudio analítico longitudinal retrospectivo sobre una muestra de 95 tendones de Aquiles de niños atendidos en consulta de rehabilitación infantil entre 2012 y 2018, con flexión dorsal de tobillo menor de 10°, tratados mediante ciclo de yesos con o sin toxina botulínica. Variables analizadas: sexo, año de comienzo, edad, IMC, diagnóstico, tratamiento previo y/o posterior, espasticidad (Ashworth modificada), lateralidad, rango articular pasivo y activo de flexión dorsal y plantar junto con R1 (escala de Tardieu). Mediciones realizadas con inclinómetro mecánico antes del primer, segundo y tercer yeso, tras el tercer yeso y a los 2, 8 y 14 meses. Fue analizado estadísticamente mediante SPSS. Resultados Existe una mejora estadísticamente significativa de 10,02° (p<0,01) entre flexión dorsal pasiva previa al primer yeso y tras el tercero, manteniéndose en 6,66° (p=0,02) entre la previa y a los 14 meses. Conclusiones Los yesos progresivos son un método efectivo en el control del equinismo de cualquier etiología, con una tasa mínima de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction Equinus in children produces a pattern of unsteady gait and inefficient and inadequate positioning in the wheelchair. Treatment with a serial casting cycle maintains range of motion and facilitates the development of normal movement patterns. Its use in combination with botulinum toxin has proven benefits, but there is a lack of guidance on the optimal management protocol. Objective The aim of this study were to describe the characteristics of the population with equinus of diverse aetiology and to determine the effectiveness of treatment with serial casting. We also aimed to assess its use in conjunction with botulinum toxin in patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Material and method This longitudinal retrospective study included a sample of 95 Achilles tendons of children attended in a children's rehabilitation clinic between 2012 and 2018, with ankle dorsal flexion less than 10°, treated by a cycle of serial casts with or without botulinum toxin. The variables analysed were sex, year when treatment started, age, BMI, diagnosis, previous and/or later treatment, spasticity (modified Ashworth), laterality, active and passive joint range of dorsal and plantar flexion along with R1 (Tardieu). Measurements were carried out with a mechanical inclinometer prior to the first, second and third cast, after the third cast and at 2, 8 and 14 months. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS®. Results There was a statistically significant improvement of 10.02° between passive dorsal flexion prior to the first cast and after the third cast, which remained at 6.66° (P=.02) between the former and after 14 months. Conclusions Serial casting is an effective method in the management of equinus of any aetiology and has a minimal complication rate (AU)

Os subtibiale: esa rara molestia en el tobillo / Os subtibiale: That odd ankle pain

El os subtibiale es un hueso accesorio del tobillo, poco frecuente. Localizado en el colículo posterior del maléolo tibial interno, puede verse en edad pediátrica y adulta. Puede causar dolor, enrojecimiento y/o inflamación del tobillo, pudiendo llevar al diagnóstico erróneo de fractura avulsiva. Su conocimiento anatómico es crucial. Se presenta el caso de un paciente en edad escolar, valorado en consulta por dolor en la cara interna de ambos tobillos durante 2 meses tras traumatismo casual. En segundo lugar, un paciente adulto con dolor en la cara interna del tobillo derecho de 3 días de evolución, sin traumatismo, valorado en urgencias. Es imprescindible la correcta anamnesis y exploración física. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante radiología convencional de tobillos, proyección anteroposterior y lateral en carga. El tratamiento inicial es conservador (férulas u ortesis) para establecer y mantener las funciones del pie durante las actividades en carga. Si persiste tras 6 meses, se podría plantear tratamiento quirúrgico (AU)

Os subtibiale is a low prevalence accessory bone of the ankle. This bone is located in the posterior colliculus of the tibial medial malleolus, both in paediatric and adult ages. It can cause pain, redness and/or swelling, which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of avulsion fracture. Adequate anatomical knowledge is crucial. First, we present the case of a school-aged boy, seen at the outpatient clinic for a 2-month history of pain in both inner ankles after an injury. Second, we present the case of an adult patient with a 3-day history of right medial ankle pain, with no previous injury, evaluated at the Emergency Department. Accurate history-taking and physical examination are essential. The diagnosis is given by conventional radiology of both ankles, in antero-posterior and lateral load views. The initial treatment is conservative (splint or orthesis) to establish and maintain the function of the foot during loading activities. If there is no recovery after 6 months, surgical treatment can be considered (AU)

[Treatment of equinus with serial casting]. / Tratamiento del equinismo con yesos progresivos.

INTRODUCTION: Equinus in children produces a pattern of unsteady gait and inefficient and inadequate positioning in the wheelchair. Treatment with a serial casting cycle maintains range of motion and facilitates the development of normal movement patterns. Its use in combination with botulinum toxin has proven benefits, but there is a lack of guidance on the optimal management protocol. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study were to describe the characteristics of the population with equinus of diverse aetiology and to determine the effectiveness of treatment with serial casting. We also aimed to assess its use in conjunction with botulinum toxin in patients with spastic cerebral palsy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This longitudinal retrospective study included a sample of 95 Achilles tendons of children attended in a children's rehabilitation clinic between 2012 and 2018, with ankle dorsal flexion less than 10°, treated by a cycle of serial casts with or without botulinum toxin. The variables analysed were sex, year when treatment started, age, BMI, diagnosis, previous and/or later treatment, spasticity (modified Ashworth), laterality, active and passive joint range of dorsal and plantar flexion along with R1 (Tardieu). Measurements were carried out with a mechanical inclinometer prior to the first, second and third cast, after the third cast and at 2, 8 and 14 months. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS®. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement of 10.02° between passive dorsal flexion prior to the first cast and after the third cast, which remained at 6.66° (P=.02) between the former and after 14 months. CONCLUSIONS: Serial casting is an effective method in the management of equinus of any aetiology and has a minimal complication rate.

[Os subtibiale: That odd ankle pain]. / Os subtibiale: esa rara molestia en el tobillo.

Os subtibiale is a low prevalence accessory bone of the ankle. This bone is located in the posterior colliculus of the tibial medial malleolus, both in paediatric and adult ages. It can cause pain, redness and/or swelling, which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of avulsion fracture. Adequate anatomical knowledge is crucial. First, we present the case of a school-aged boy, seen at the outpatient clinic for a 2-month history of pain in both inner ankles after an injury. Second, we present the case of an adult patient with a 3-day history of right medial ankle pain, with no previous injury, evaluated at the Emergency Department. Accurate history-taking and physical examination are essential. The diagnosis is given by conventional radiology of both ankles, in antero-posterior and lateral load views. The initial treatment is conservative (splint or orthesis) to establish and maintain the function of the foot during loading activities. If there is no recovery after 6 months, surgical treatment can be considered.

Antibacterial Effect of Chitosan-Gold Nanoparticles and Computational Modeling of the Interaction between Chitosan and a Lipid Bilayer Model.

Pathogenic bacteria have the ability to develop antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Their action consists mainly in the production of bacterial enzymes that inactivate antibiotics or the appearance of modifications that prevent the arrival of the drug at the target point or the alteration of the target point itself, becoming a growing problem for health systems. Chitosan-gold nanoparticles (Cs-AuNPs) have been shown as effective bactericidal materials avoiding damage to human cells. In this work, Cs-AuNPs were synthesized using chitosan as the reducing agent, and a systematic analysis of the influence of the synthesis parameters on the size and zeta potential of the Cs-AuNPs and their UV-vis spectra was carried out. We used a simulation model to characterize the interaction of chitosan with bacterial membranes, using a symmetric charged bilayer and two different chitosan models with different degrees of the chitosan amine protonation as a function of pH, with the aim to elucidate the antibacterial mechanism involving the cell wall disruption. The Cs-AuNP antibacterial activity was evaluated to check the simulation model.

[Myths and evidence on the use of botulinum toxin: spasticity in adults and in children with cerebral palsy]. / Mitos y evidencias en el empleo de la toxina botulinica: espasticidad del adulto y del nintilde;o con paralisis cerebral.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a medical problem with a high incidence that significantly impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. AIM: To analyze and to answer different questions about the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in our clinical practice. DEVELOPMENT: A group of experts in neurology develop a list of topics related with the use of BTA. Two big groups were considered: spasticity in adults and in children with cerebral palsy. A literature search at PubMed for English, French, and Spanish language articles published up to June 2016 was performed. The manuscript was structured as a questionnaire that includes those questions that, according to the panel opinion, could generate more controversy or doubt. The initial draft was reviewed by the expert panel members to allow for modifications, and after subsequent revisions for achieving the highest degree of consensus, the final text was then validated. Different questions about diverse aspects of spasticity in adults, such as methods for evaluating spasticity, infiltration techniques, doses, number of infiltration points, etc. Regarding spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, the document included questions about minimum age of infiltration, methods of analgesia, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This review is a tool for continuous training for neurologist and rehabilitation specialist and residents of both specialties, about different specific areas of the management of BTA.

TITLE: Mitos y evidencias en el empleo de la toxina botulinica: espasticidad del adulto y del nintilde;o con paralisis cerebral.Introduccion. La espasticidad es un problema medico frecuente que impacta de forma significativa en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus familias. Objetivo. Analizar y dar respuesta a diferentes cuestiones en el uso de la toxina botulinica tipo A (TBA) en nuestra practica clinica habitual. Desarrollo. Un grupo de expertos en neurologia elaboro una lista de temas relacionados con el uso de la TBA. Se consideraron dos grandes bloques: espasticidad del adulto y del nintilde;o con paralisis cerebral. Se realizo una revision de la bibliografia que incluyo los diferentes articulos publicados en espantilde;ol, ingles y frances hasta junio de 2016. El documento se estructuro como un cuestionario que incluyo las preguntas que, segun el criterio del panel, podrian generar mayor controversia o duda. El borrador inicial del documento fue revisado por los miembros del panel y se realizaron las modificaciones necesarias hasta alcanzar el mayor grado de consenso. A continuacion, el texto final fue validado. Se incluyeron diferentes preguntas sobre diferentes aspectos de la espasticidad en adultos: evaluacion de la espasticidad, tecnicas de infiltracion, dosis, numero de puntos, etc. En cuanto a la espasticidad en los nintilde;os con paralisis cerebral, se analizaron preguntas como: edad minima de infiltracion, metodos de sedoanalgesia, etc. Conclusiones. Esta revision constituye una herramienta para neurologos, medicos rehabilitadores y residentes de ambas especialidades, dentro de diferentes ambitos especificos del manejo de la TBA.

Regulation of black-hole accretion by a disk wind during a violent outburst of V404 Cygni.

Accretion of matter onto black holes is universally associated with strong radiative feedback and powerful outflows. In particular, black-hole transients have outflows whose properties are strongly coupled to those of the accretion flow. This includes X-ray winds of ionized material, expelled from the accretion disk encircling the black hole, and collimated radio jets. Very recently, a distinct optical variability pattern has been reported in the transient stellar-mass black hole V404 Cygni, and interpreted as disrupted mass flow into the inner regions of its large accretion disk. Here we report observations of a sustained outer accretion disk wind in V404 Cyg, which is unlike any seen hitherto. We find that the outflowing wind is neutral, has a large covering factor, expands at one per cent of the speed of light and triggers a nebular phase once accretion drops sharply and the ejecta become optically thin. The large expelled mass (>10(-8) solar masses) indicates that the outburst was prematurely ended when a sizeable fraction of the outer disk was depleted by the wind, detaching the inner regions from the rest of the disk. The luminous, but brief, accretion phases shown by transients with large accretion disks imply that this outflow is probably a fundamental ingredient in regulating mass accretion onto black holes.

Dramatic mechanistic switch in Sn/Au(I) group exchanges: transmetalation vs. oxidative addition.

The mechanism of Ph/X exchange in reactions involving SnPh(n)Bu3 and [AuXL] complexes switches dramatically from the usual concerted mechanism involving Ar/X mixed bridges when X = Cl, to an unexpected oxidative addition/reductive elimination pathway via an Au(III) intermediate when X = vinyl.

Ortesis pasiva tobillo-pie de uso nocturno en la prevención del pie equino en la parálisis cerebral / Nocturnal use of an ankle-foot orthosis in the prevention of equinuus in cerebral palsy

Introducción. El equinismo, que es la deformidad más frecuente en los pacientes con parálisis cerebral, aumenta la inestabilidad, dificulta la marcha y la adaptación a la silla de ruedas. La corrección del equinismo beneficia al niño deambulador, facilita la adecuada colocación del pie en el reposapiés de la silla de ruedas y la posibilidad de usar un calzado convencional en el niño que no tiene capacidad de marcha. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar si el uso nocturno de ortesis de tobillo-pie en ortoposición permite prevenir o diferir la aparición de equinismo y así evitar o retrasar la cirugía de alargamiento tendinoso. Material y método. Se ha realizado un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo, revisando el historial clínico de pacientes diagnosticados de parálisis cerebral, tratados mediante ortesis de tobillo-pie nocturnas en la Unidad de Rehabilitación Infantil del Hospital Virgen Macarena. Resultados. De los 90 pacientes tratados con la ortesis de tobillo-pie nocturna, el 88,9% consiguió el rango de flexión dorsal necesario para la deambulación (≥ 10°) o la correcta adaptación a la silla de ruedas y al calzado (≥ 0°). Únicamente en 9 pacientes (10% de los casos) no se alcanzaron los objetivos pretendidos. Conclusión. El tratamiento preventivo con ortesis rígidas constituye una opción de primera línea en el tratamiento de la parálisis cerebral. El uso reglado y mantenido de las ortesis de tobillo-pie nocturnas puede retrasar la aparición del equinismo en la parálisis cerebral y permite diferir o evitar la cirugía con un beneficio funcional evidente (AU)

Introduction. Equinus, the most common deformity in patients with cerebral palsy, increases instability and impairs gait and adaptation to a wheelchair. Correction of equinus benefits walking children and aids proper placement of the foot on the footrest of a wheelchair. It also allows the possibility of using conventional footwear in children with no ability to walk. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of an ankle-foot orthosis at night, keeping the foot in orthoposition, can prevent or delay the onset of equinus and thus prevent or delay tendon lengthening surgery. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective observational study based on a chart review of 90 patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy treated with a nocturnal ankle-foot orthosis in the Children's Rehabilitation Unit at Hospital Virgen Macarena in Spain. Results. Of the 90 patients treated with nocturnal ankle-foot orthosis, 88.9% achieved the dorsiflexion necessary for ambulation (≥ 10°) or adequate adaptation to a wheelchair and footwear (≥ 0°). Only 9 patients (10%) did not achieve the intended objectives with the use of the splint. Conclusion. Preventive treatment with a rigid ankle-foot orthosis is a widely accepted practice that constitutes a first-line option in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Systematic and persistent use of a nocturnal ankle-foot orthosis can delay the onset of equinus in cerebral palsy and can delay or avoid surgery, with a clear functional benefit (AU)

A Be-type star with a black-hole companion.

Stellar-mass black holes have all been discovered through X-ray emission, which arises from the accretion of gas from their binary companions (this gas is either stripped from low-mass stars or supplied as winds from massive ones). Binary evolution models also predict the existence of black holes accreting from the equatorial envelope of rapidly spinning Be-type stars (stars of the Be type are hot blue irregular variables showing characteristic spectral emission lines of hydrogen). Of the approximately 80 Be X-ray binaries known in the Galaxy, however, only pulsating neutron stars have been found as companions. A black hole was formally allowed as a solution for the companion to the Be star MWC 656 (ref. 5; also known as HD 215227), although that conclusion was based on a single radial velocity curve of the Be star, a mistaken spectral classification and rough estimates of the inclination angle. Here we report observations of an accretion disk line mirroring the orbit of MWC 656. This, together with an improved radial velocity curve of the Be star through fitting sharp Fe II profiles from the equatorial disk, and a refined Be classification (to that of a B1.5-B2 III star), indicates that a black hole of 3.8 to 6.9 solar masses orbits MWC 656, the candidate counterpart of the γ-ray source AGL J2241+4454 (refs 5, 6). The black hole is X-ray quiescent and fed by a radiatively inefficient accretion flow giving a luminosity less than 1.6 × 10(-7) times the Eddington luminosity. This implies that Be binaries with black-hole companions are difficult to detect in conventional X-ray surveys.

Relación de la afectación motora con la patología foniátrica en niños con parálisis cerebral / Relation of motor abnormalities with swallowing disorders in children with cerebral palsy

Introducción. La parálisis cerebral (PC) incluye trastornos motores por alteraciones no progresivas en cerebro inmaduro que pueden producir patologías de la comunicación y deglución. Objetivos. Relacionar la afectación motora de niños con PC con el desarrollo de patologías foniátricas y conocer su evaluación en hospital de tercer nivel. Material y método. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo (7 años) con niños con PC de 4-18 años de edad. Se excluyeron pacientes en etapa preverbal, con déficits sensoriales severos y/o trastornos motores por otras enfermedades. Se recogieron datos demográficos, obstétricos y perinatales, ítems del desarrollo psicomotor, niveles motores y de manipulación medidos con las escalas Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) y Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) y patologías foniátricas. Se realizó análisis estadístico en el conjunto de datos y por estratos (puntuación de escalas y valoración/no por foniatra). Resultados. Revisamos 3.007 historias (n = 101 según criterios inclusión; 1,7:1 varones). El perfil obstétrico predominante era embarazo normal, bajo peso al nacer y período neonatal con múltiples complicaciones. El nivel cognitivo fue aceptable en el 74,42% (IC 95%, 65,20-83,64%).Un 25,74% (IC 95%, 17,21-34,27%) fue derivado a foniatría. La muestra tenía mayores alteraciones a nivel fonético-fonológico, pero los pacientes con puntuaciones GMFCS-MACS I - III presentaban además múltiples fallos a nivel morfosintáctico y los de GMFCS-MACS IV - V (más afectados en todos los campos medidos) gran prevalencia de disfagia y disartria. Conclusiones. Creemos necesario realizar en niños con PC un screening de comunicación y disfagia desde rehabilitación infantil, apoyándose en resultados de GMFCS y MACS(AU)

Introduction. Cerebral palsy (CP) includes motor disorders due to non-progressive alterations in an immature brain that may cause communication and swallowing problems. Aims. The authors have aimed to relate motor conditions of CP children with the development of phoniatrics and to analyze their evaluation in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods. A retrospective descriptive study (7 years) was conducted with children having CP, with an age range of 4-18 years. Exclusion criteria were patients in the preverbal stage of language, with severe sensorial and/or motor deficits due to other diseases. Data were collected on demographics, obstetrics, psychomotor development, motor and manual ability levels. These were measured with the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and phoniatric conditions. A statistical analysis was made of the combined data and by strata (Scale score and evaluation/not specific to speech. Results. We reviewed 3.007 histories (n=101 with inclusion criteria. Males 1.7:1). The most common obstetric profile was normal pregnancy, low birth weight and neonatal period with multiple complications. Cognitive level was described as normal in 74.42% (95% CI, 65.20-83.64%) of the records of the patients. A total of 25.74% (95% CI: 17.21-34.27%) were referred to a Language Unit. The sample showed greater alterations on the phonetic-phonology level. However, patients with GMFCS and MACS I - III scores also had multiple problems on the morphosyntactic level and those with GMFCS-MACS IV - V levels (more affected in all the fields measures) had great prevalence of dysphagia and dysarthria. Conclusions. We consider that children with CP should be screened for communication and dsyphagia from child rehabilitation, based on the results of GMFCS and MACS(AU)

Tortícolis secundario a hipoplasia del esternocleidomastoideo / Torticollis secondary to sternocleidomastoid hypoplasia

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A black hole nova obscured by an inner disk torus.

Stellar-mass black holes (BHs) are mostly found in x-ray transients, a subclass of x-ray binaries that exhibit violent outbursts. None of the 50 galactic BHs known show eclipses, which is surprising for a random distribution of inclinations. Swift J1357.2-093313 is a very faint x-ray transient detected in 2011. On the basis of spectroscopic evidence, we show that it contains a BH in a 2.8-hour orbital period. Further, high-time-resolution optical light curves display profound dips without x-ray counterparts. The observed properties are best explained by the presence of an obscuring toroidal structure moving outward in the inner disk, seen at very high inclination. This observational feature should play a key role in models of inner accretion flows and jet collimation mechanisms in stellar-mass BHs.

Neurobehavioral development of preterm and full term children: biomedical and environmental influences.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that VLBW preterm children obtain significantly lower scores than full-term children in all the NBAS clusters. However the samples studied usually presented additional medical complications. AIMS: The present study aims to compare the results obtained by low-risk preterm and full term children in the NBAS, and relate possible differences to biological and contextual factors. METHOD: Early neurobehavioral development of 150 preterm (PR) children is compared to that of 49 full term children (FT). The children were assessed at the age of 15 days (corrected age for preterm children) with the NBAS. Biological and environmental variables were collected through an extended interview with the mothers as well as medical data. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between preterm and full term children in the following areas: motor, range of state, and regulation of state. Differences were also found in relation to birth weight in these same three areas, following a parallel pattern. These differences between the two groups were not, however, necessarily more favorable for the FT group; the PR group had higher results in the motor and range of state areas, and lower results in the regulation of state area. The mothers' smoking habit had a negative effect on infants' regulation and orientation. CONCLUSIONS: No general maturation delay in this particular sample of preterm children was found.

The role of transboundary air pollution over Galicia and North Portugal area.

In summer, high levels of ozone (O3) are frequently measured at both Galicia and Northern Portugal air quality monitoring stations, even exceeding the limit values imposed by legislation. This work aims to investigate the origin of these high O3 concentrations by the application of a chemical transport modelling system over the northwestern area of the Iberian Peninsula. The WRF-CHIMERE modelling system was applied with high resolution to simulate the selected air pollution episodes that occurred simultaneously in Galicia and North Portugal and in order to study both the contribution of local emission sources and the influence of transboundary pollution. Emission inputs have been prepared based on the development of the Portuguese and Galician emission inventories. The obtained results for O3 have been evaluated and validated against observations. Modelling results show possible contribution of the transboundary transport over the border of two neighbour regions/countries, indicating that the O3 episode starts over the urban and industrialised area of North coast of Portugal, reaching the maximum peaks over this region; at the same time, O3 levels increased over Galicia region, where lower concentrations, but still high, were observed. These results pointed out that air quality management should not be driven by political boundaries and highlight the importance of joining efforts between neighbouring countries.

Application of System Dynamics technique to simulate the fate of persistent organic pollutants in soils.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are within the most dangerous pollutants released into the environment by human activities. Due to their resistance to degradation (chemical, biological or photolytic), it is critical to assess the fate and environmental hazards of the exchange of POPs between different environmental media. System Dynamics enables to represent complex systems and analyze their dynamic behavior. It provides a highly visual representation of the structure of the system and the existing relationships between the several parameters and variables, facilitating the understanding of the behavior of the system. In the present study the fate of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) in a contaminated soil was modeled using the Vensim® simulation software. Results show a gradual decrease in the lindane content in the soil during a simulation period of 10 years. The most important route affecting the concentrations of the contaminant was the biochemical degradation, followed by infiltration and hydrodynamic dispersion. The model appeared to be highly sensitive to the half-life of the pollutant, which value depends on environmental conditions and directly affects the biochemical degradation.