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Wind speeds measured by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover in Jezero crater were fitted as a Weibull distribution. InSight wind data acquired in Elysium Planitia were also used to contextualize observations. Jezero winds were found to be much calmer on average than in previous landing sites, despite the intense aeolian activity observed. However, a great influence of turbulence and wave activity was observed in the wind speed variations, thus driving the probability of reaching the highest wind speeds at Jezero, instead of sustained winds driven by local, regional, or large‐scale circulation. The power spectral density of wind speed fluctuations follows a power‐law, whose slope deviates depending on the time of day from that predicted considering homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. Daytime wave activity is related to convection cells and smaller eddies in the boundary layer, advected over the crater. The signature of convection cells was also found during dust storm conditions, when prevailing winds were consistent with a tidal drive. Nighttime fluctuations were also intense, suggesting strong mechanical turbulence. Convective vortices were usually involved in rapid wind fluctuations and extreme winds, with variations peaking at 9.2 times the background winds. Transient high wind events by vortex‐passages, turbulence, and wave activity could be driving aeolian activity at Jezero. We report the detection of a strong dust cloud of 0.75–1.5 km in length passing over the rover. The observed aeolian activity had major implications for instrumentation, with the wind sensor suffering damage throughout the mission, probably due to flying debris advected by winds. Plain Language Summary: Jezero winds as measured in the crater floor by Perseverance were found to be much calmer on average than in previous landing sites. Turbulence and wave activity provoked rapid fluctuations that changed wind speed from calm conditions to more than 10–15 ms−1 in the timescale of seconds to minutes. Daytime wave activity is related to convection cells and smaller eddies in the boundary layer, advected over the crater. These convection cells are produced under strong thermal gradients typically present during daytime. Pressure drops, associated with convective vortices, were usually involved in rapid wind fluctuations and, in some cases, in extreme winds as measured by Perseverance. An intense aeolian activity was observed at Jezero crater produced by transient high wind events. This aeolian activity had major implications for instrumentation, with the Perseverance wind sensor suffering damage probably due to flying debris advected by winds. Also, we report the detection of a strong dust cloud of 0.75–1.5 km passing over the rover. This paper has a companion paper (part 1) in the same issue, which is focused on wind patterns and analyzed the mechanisms driving atmospheric circulation at Jezero. Key Points: Jezero winds are found to be much calmer on average than in previous landing sites, despite the intense aeolian activity observedTurbulence, wave activity, and convective vortices drive the peak wind speeds observed at JezeroWe report the detection of a dust cloud of 0.75–1.5 km in length passing over the rover [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first part of a two‐part paper. NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover measured winds on the Jezero crater floor close to the delta of an ancient river. A mostly repeatable diurnal cycle was observed and presented two regimes: (a) a convective regime, from dawn to sunset, with average easterly to southeasterly winds, during which maximum wind speeds were measured, and (b) a nighttime regime with westerly‐northwesterly winds followed by a relatively calm period with highly variable wind directions as a function of sol and time of night. The timing and magnitude of the observed regimes are consistent with primary control by regional and local slope flows. Data suggest that the surface circulation at Jezero region in northern spring and summer is highly unaffected by large‐scale circulation except during particular periods in the diurnal cycle or generally during dust storms, which is supported by MarsWRF model simulations. Consequently, the observed seasonal variability was weak. However, sol‐to‐sol and seasonal variability were measured, most of it during certain nighttime periods. Traveling waves consistent with baroclinic instability were clearly observed in surface winds at Ls ∼ 75°. The early MY36/2022A regional dust storm at Ls ∼ 153° disturbed the wind patterns with changes suggesting enhanced tidal flows. After sunset, the dust storm also produced detectable gravity wave activity, increasing the mixing in the nighttime planetary boundary layer during storm conditions. Inferred wind directions from dust devil movies strongly suggest that prevailing winds continued to be slope‐driven during the late summer, fall and early winter seasons. Plain Language Summary: This is the first part of a two‐part paper. NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landed close to the western rim of Jezero crater (18.44°N, 77.45°E) on 18 February 2021. The wind data acquired by the rover measured a mostly repeatable diurnal cycle with two regimes: (a) a convective period, from dawn to sunset with average easterly to southeasterly winds, in which maximum wind speeds were measured, and (b) a nighttime regime with westerly‐northwesterly winds followed by a relatively calm period with highly variable wind directions as a function of sol and time of night. The timing and magnitude of the observed regimes are consistent with primary control by regional and local slope flows, as have been observed to varying degrees at other landing sites on Mars. Data suggest that the surface circulation at Jezero is highly unaffected by large‐scale circulation, except during particular periods. An early regional dust storm prior to fall equinox also disturbed wind patterns with changes suggesting the strengthening of flows linked to large‐scale atmospheric oscillations called tides. The latter are primarily driven by the daily pattern of solar heating around Mars and its interaction with topography. Key Points: A mostly repeatable diurnal cycle of winds is consistent with primary control by regional and local slope flowsGreat sub‐diurnal and sol‐to‐sol variability in winds was observed during the calm period at nightTraveling and gravity waves were observed, along with the probable effect of enhanced tidal flows [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use in situ environmental measurements by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission to obtain the surface energy budget (SEB) across Curiosity's traverse during the first 2500 sols of the mission. This includes values of the downwelling shortwave solar radiation, the upwelling solar radiation reflected by the surface, the downwelling longwave radiation from the atmosphere, the upwelling longwave radiation emitted by the surface, the sensible heat flux associated with turbulent motions, and the latent heat flux associated with water phase changes. We then analyze their temporal variation on different timescales and relate this to the mechanisms causing these variations. Through its Rover Environmental Monitoring Station, MSL allows for a more accurate determination of the SEB than its predecessors on Mars. Moreover, the unprecedented duration, cadence, and frequency of MSL environmental observations allow for analyses of the SEB from diurnal to interannual timescales. The results presented in this article can be used to evaluate the consistency with predictions from atmospheric numerical models, to validate aerosol radiative properties under a range of dust conditions, to understand the energy available for solar‐powered missions, and to enable comparisons with measurements of the SEB by the Perseverance rover at Jezero crater. Plain Language Summary: The primary energy input at the Martian surface is the solar radiation, which depends on the time of the day and season, geographical location (latitude and altitude), and atmospheric dust and gas abundances. Another energy input is the thermal atmospheric forcing, which depends on the vertical distribution of dust and water ice aerosols as well as CO2 and H2O molecules. Together with the reflected solar radiation and the thermal radiation emitted by the surface, these four terms make up the net radiative forcing of the surface. In response to it, energy outputs as turbulent motions and water phase changes emerge to cool down/warm up the ground. The remaining energy is available to control the thermal environment in the surface and shallow subsurface through conduction into the soil. By using first‐of‐their‐kind measurements from the Mars Science Laboratory mission, we calculate the energy inputs and outputs across Curiosity's traverse over the first 2500 Martian days of the mission. We then analyze their temporal variations and relate this to the mechanisms causing such variations. An accurate determination of the surface energy budget is key to preparing for the human exploration of Mars because it contributes to improvements in the predictive capabilities of numerical models. Key Points: We have calculated each term of the surface energy budget during the first 2500 sols of the Mars Science Laboratory missionWe have analyzed the variation of each term from diurnal to interannual timescales in relation to the mechanisms causing the variationsOur results are important in preparation for the human exploration of Mars to evaluate the consistency with predictions from models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuente del Trucho cave (Asque‐Colungo, Huesca, Spain) is located in the central Pre‐Pyrenean range in north‐east Iberia, in the Arpán ravine, a tributary of the Vero River. The mouth of the cave is 22 m wide and it is oriented to the south‐east. The entrance gives access to a 24 m‐deep hall. Palaeolithic paintings were discovered in the cave in 1978. The Fuente del Trucho art comprises two sectors: the external with some engraved motifs and the internal featuring more than 100 painted motifs distributed in 21 panels. Archaeological works have been undertaken since 1979, identifying several human occupations from the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. This paper presents results obtained after the analysis of lithic raw materials. The analyses were performed using the classical archaeopetrological approach, which comprises textural, micropalaeontological and petrographical analyses, combined with the application of geochemical methods, using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). The results show that chert and quartzites were the most commonly used rocks. Different types and origins of chert were identified, demonstrating the existence of a wide mobility for lithic raw material procurement during all the Palaeolithic occupations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A new artificial anal sphincter placed into the intersphincteric space, SphinKeeper™, has recently been proposed to improve outcomes in the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI). We report our preliminary results with short‐term follow‐up, comparing preoperative and postoperative data after implant of SphinKeeper™ in patients suffering from FI. Methods: All patients older than 18 years were included with FI of at least 6 months, incontinence episodes occurring more than once a week and resistance to other conservative treatments. Anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, Cleveland Clinic FI Score, FI Quality of Life score and total number of episodes of FI per week were recorded preoperatively and at the end of the 6‐month follow‐up period. Results: Thirteen consecutive patients were treated with SphinKeeper™. No intra‐operative nor postoperative complications were reported. Two cases of prosthesis extrusion occurred, and in one case an anterior dislocation was detected. Maximum resting pressure, total number of episodes of FI per week and Cleveland Clinic FI Score were improved after 6 months (P < 0.05). Conclusions: SphinKeeper™ could be a minimally invasive procedure for FI with good postoperative outcomes. If these results are confirmed by studies with more patients and longer follow‐up, it could be a first‐line approach in FI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical name of Monegros has traditionally been used to describe a high‐quality, dark‐coloured chert originating in a carbonate lacustrine environment, being one of the most important long‐distance tracers in south‐west Europe during prehistory. This chert type outcrops in the Monegros region, situated in the Ebro Basin (north‐eastern Iberia), but not only there, as cherts with the same descriptions are found in other regions, some far from the homonymous area. Nevertheless, prehistorians working on the characterization of lithic sources have frequently used the term 'Monegros' to define this chert, basing their attributions solely on macroscopic descriptions. These are not sufficient as they do not allow cherts from the Monegros region to be distinguished from cherts from other regions. In this study, the area where Monegros cherts outcrop was delimited and fieldwork was carried out to identify the origin of the geological formations and the preserved outcrops. The classic approach has proved to be insufficient for this purpose, so geochemical fingerprinting using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) spectroscopy was performed. The results obtained after this first geochemical approach show that some differences can be found between the different formations in the Monegros region in terms of their major and minor components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ‘pollen washes’ technique, based on the analysis of the pollen embedded in the porous surface of archaeological artefacts, is developed for investigating past plant usage and consumption and to characterize the functionality of artefacts related to plant processing, gathering and storage. The research presented results in relevant methodological improvements of this technique, which has never previously been applied on materials from European contexts. The improvements allow: (1) faster analysis of a broad series of artefacts or those with large use‐surface areas likely to retain more pollen; and (2) a more thorough, deeper and precise cleaning method, allowing the study of smoother artefacts. Finally, the recovery of Trifolium‐group pollen from a macro‐lithic tool from Xicotó rock shelter (Montsec ranges, Spain) demonstrates that the pollen washes technique can reveal new insights into both the use and consumption of wild and domestic plants by prehistoric societies, and the functionality of archaeological objects whose interpretation is still problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Recto-urethral fistula (RUF) is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. We report a transperineal approach using a fibrin sealant haemostatic patch. Method Five consecutive patients who developed RUF following radical prostatectomy had a direct transperineal repair with a haemostatic patch (TachoSil®) and were assessed at a median follow-up of 35.5 (21-45) months. Results There were no early postoperative complications. The average length of hospital stay was 5 (4-7) days. One patient developed recurrence 4 weeks after removal of the urethral catheter. Following healing in four patients the stoma was reversed at a median interval of 3 months, and 9.5 (7-10) months following the prostatic surgery. In the four patients with successful closure there was no case of recurrence or anorectal or urinary dysfunction at a median follow-up of 35.5 (21-45) months. Conclusion Direct transperineal repair of RUF reinforced with a fibrin haemostatic patch of TachoSil is safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pilonidal disease ( PD) is a common inflammatory disease of the gluteal fold, resulting in recurrent acute/chronic infection at the level of the natal cleft. In this study, endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment ( EPSiT), a new endoscopic minimally invasive procedure, was evaluated for its effectiveness in treating PD. Methods Two hundred and fifty prospective patients with chronic PD were enrolled in a prospective multicentre study conducted at a secondary and tertiary colorectal surgery centre. The primary end-point of this study was wound healing, and the short-/long-term outcomes such as healing time, morbidity rate and recurrence rate were analysed. The secondary end-point of this study was quality of life (QoL). Results The complete wound healing rate was 94.8%, and the mean complete wound healing time was 26.7 ± 10.4 days. The incomplete healing rate (5.2%) was significantly related to the number of external openings ( P = 0.01). There was no difference in the failure rate when EPSiT was performed as the first-line treatment for PD or when it was used after unsuccessful procedures ( P = n.s.). Recurrence occurred in 12 cases (5%). The QoL significantly increased from preoperative levels 15 days after the EPSiT procedure (45.3 vs 7.9; P < 0.0001). Conclusions The EPSiT procedure is a safe and effective technique for treating PD. It provides better short- and long-term outcomes than various other techniques that are more invasive. EPSiT is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, which is associated with a quick recovery and a good QoL outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor Nr4a2 was recently revealed as a very early developmental marker of the claustrum (CL) proper in the mouse. The earliest claustral primordium was identified superficially, dorsal to the olfactory cortex, and was subsequently covered by the Nr4a2-negative cells of the insular cortex. Some tangentially migrating claustral derivatives (subplate cells and some endopiriform elements) also expressed this marker. The present study employs the same genetic marker to explore the presence of a comparable pallial division in chicken in which, in principle, the same pallial sectors exist as in mammals. We were indeed able to delineate an early-developing Nr4a2-positive mantle domain at the expected topologic position within the developing chicken lateral pallium. In the chicken as well as in the turtle (from data in the literature), the earliest postmitotic lateropallial cells likewise express Nr4a2 and occupy a corticoid superficial stratum of the mesopallium, which is clearly comparable in spatial and chronological profile to the mouse CL. Other cells produced in this pallial sector include various tangentially migrating Nr4a2-labeled derivatives as well as Nr4a2-negative and Nr4a2-positive local deeper subpopulations that partially interdigitate, forming mesopallial core and shell populations. We hold that the deep avian and reptilian mesopallial formation developing under the superficial corticoid CL homolog represents a field homolog of the insula, although additional studies are required to underpin this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sancho Reservoir (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain) is nourished by the waters of the river Meca, which is affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) processes from the abandoned Tharsis mine. The aim of the present work is to study the hydrochemical variations in this reservoir, in order to define potential stratification processes in metal load and sulphates. A stratified sampling from the surface, with one meter deep intervals to the bottom of the dam, was performed. The results show a clear stratification of temperature, pH, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen, metal and sulphate loads associated with depth. There is an increase of metal loads at the bottom of the reservoir, though previous studies only detect iron. The proximity between pH and aluminium suggests that water chemistry is strongly influenced by aluminium precipitation processes. This indicates the buffer effect that aluminium exercises, which precipitates as amorphous or low crystalline phases, introducing hydrogen ions to the system, while alkalinity input tends to raise pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture has a pending goal in the revalorization of agrofood residues. Wine lees are an abundant residue in the oenological industry. This residue, so far, has been used to obtain tartaric acid or pigments but not for being qualitatively characterized as a source of polar and mid-polar compounds such as flavonoids, phenols and essential amino acids. Lees extracts from 11 Spanish wineries have been analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in high resolution mode. The high-resolution power of LC-MS/MS has led to the tentative identification of the most representative compounds present in wine lees, comprising primary amino acids, anthocyans, flavanols, flavonols, flavones and non-flavonoid phenolic compounds, among others. Attending to the profile and content of polar and mid-polar compounds in wine lees, this study underlines the potential of wine lees as an exploitable source to isolate interesting compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Woody liquid flavourings extracted from different varieties of vine shoots and oak chips have been characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to compare the profile of compounds as potential contributors to the organoleptical properties of wine and spirits aged in oak barrels. Oak chips are frequently added to barrels to accelerate the ageing process, while vine shoots are produced in high amounts in wine-producing countries. RESULTS The extracts were isolated by superheated liquid extraction ( SHLE) after optimization of extraction variables. The SHLE protocol was performed using ethanol-water mixtures ( pH 3) at 220 °C for 60 min. Compounds were identified using NIST databases, and the resulting profile was used as a dataset for qualitative and semi-quantitative comparison between extracts obtained from different varieties of vine shoots and oak chips. CONCLUSION Statistical analysis enabled demonstration of the similarity among extracts from vine shoots and oak wood, providing the first study on this subject. The special role of phenols and furanic derivatives has been described. This study is the first stage for characterization of vine shoots as a by-product with potential for use in the oenological field. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Preoperative chemoradiation ( CRT) for rectal cancer decreases the number of examined lymph nodes ( NELN) found in the resected specimen. However, the prognostic role of lymph node evaluation including overall numbers and the lymph node ratio ( LNR) in patients having preoperative CRT have not yet been defined. The study has assessed the influence of CRT on the NELN and on lymph node number and LNR on the survival of patients with rectal cancer. Method Between 2003 and 2011, 508 patients with nonmetastatic rectal cancer underwent mesorectal excision. Of these 123 (24.2%) received preoperative CRT. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to define the role of NELN and LNR as prognostic indicators of survival. Results Neoadjuvant CRT significantly reduced the NELN ( P < 0.0001). Disease-free survival ( DFS) and overall survival ( OS) of patients with fewer or more than 12 nodes retrieved did not differ statistically. Node-negative patients with six or fewer lymph nodes were significantly associated with a poor DFS and OS on univariate analysis ( P = 0.03 and P = 0.03). LNR significantly influenced the DFS and OS on multivariate analysis [ DFS, P = 0.0473, hazard ratio ( HR) 2.4980, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.2631-9.4097; OS, P = 0.0419, HR 1.1820, 95% CI 1.1812-10,710]. Conclusion The cut-off of 12 lymph nodes does not influence survival and should not be considered for cancer-specific prediction of patients having neoadjuvant CRT. In contrast LNR is an independent prognostic predictor of DFS and OS in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The authors present their experience of colonoscopic perforation and its management, with an analysis of factors affecting outcome. Method During the last 10 years, 22 cases of colonoscopic perforation (CP) were identified in two different institutions. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of morbidity and mortality. Results Morbidity and mortality rates were 31% and 13.6%, respectively. Prompt diagnosis was the most powerful predictor of outcome of CP. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that morbidity and mortality were significantly related to a delay in diagnosis of more than 24 h ( P = 0.03 and P = 0.04). Conclusion The results emphasize the importance of prompt assessment of a patient who develops symptoms after colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a recent treatment option in the management of severe faecal incontinence (FI) that offers promising results. The aim of this study was to compare SNS to artificial bowel sphincter (ABS) implanted patients to assess the rationale of this approach in achieving satisfying functional results and improved quality of life (QoL). Method Among 27 patients tested (December 2001 and April 2004), 15 patients were successfully managed with SNS. They were compared to 15 matched patients implanted with ABS in a previous period (control group). Assessment of continence level (Cleveland Clinic score), constipation score (Knowles, Eccersley, Scott Score) and QoL (Short-Form 36) were prospectively collected. Results Both groups were comparable for clinical parameters (age, gender, anal testing and aetiology of incontinence) and anal physiology. The mean postoperative continence score was significantly higher in the SNS group [9.4 (±3.3) vs 5.7 (±3.9), P < 0.01]; however, the mean constipation score was higher in the ABS group (6.3 ± 6.3 vs 12.8 ± 5.7, P < 0.01). The mean QoL score was similar in both groups. The mean follow-up after implantation was 15 (±9) months in the SNS group, and 43 (±33) months in the ABS group. Conclusion In this study, SNS offers satisfying results in terms of QoL, similar to that of ABS. Although it seems to be less effective in restoring continence level, symptoms of outlet obstruction are more frequent after ABS. This SNS approach should be proposed as a first-line treatment of FI in selected patients. ABS should remain an option that can improve function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of biphasic insulin aspart (BIAsp) 30 twice daily (b.i.d.) vs. BIAsp 50 or BIAsp 70 (high-mix regimens) thrice daily (t.i.d.) all in combination with metformin in a 36-week clinical trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Efficacy measurements included haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and eight-point plasma glucose (PG); safety included adverse events (AEs) and hypoglycaemic episodes. The three treatment groups (approximately 200 subjects in each group) were well matched regarding sex ratio, ethnicity, age and body mass index. Results: After 12 weeks, 43% and 54% in the BIAsp 50 and 70 groups, respectively, switched their dinner insulin to BIAsp 30. Both high-mix regimens were non-inferior to BIAsp 30 b.i.d., as measured by change in HbA1c, and the BIAsp %50 regimen was superior. The odds for meeting the American Diabetes Association and The American Association of Clinícal Endocrinologist HbA1c targets of <7% and ≤6.5%, respectively, were significantly higher with the BIAsp 50 regimen than with BIAsp 30. A significantly lower PG level was achieved from lunch until 02:00 hours with both high-mix regimens compared with BIAsp 30 b.i.d. AEs were mild or moderate with all three regimens. Frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes was comparable for the BIAsp 50 and the BIAsp 30 b.i.d. regimens but was significantly higher with BIAsp 70 t.i.d. Conclusions: Glycaemic control improved with BIAsp 50 t.i.d. without higher incidence of hypoglycaemia compared with BIAsp 30 b.i.d.; with BIAsp 70 t.i.d. lower PG levels from lunch to 02.00 hours, but more hypoglycaemic episodes were obtained compared with BIAsp 30 b.i.d. (Clinical Trials.gov ID no: NCT00184574). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem In consideration of the effect of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and ACP1 (a low-molecular-weight protein tyrosine phosphatase) on T-cell receptor activity, we have analysed the joint distribution of these polymorphisms in a sample of women with primary repeated spontaneous abortion (RSA) to search for possible interactive effects on susceptibility to RSA. Method of study ACP1 and ADA phenotypes were determined in 170 women with primary RSA in 79 healthy consecutive puerperae and in 160 female newborns from the Caucasian population of Rome and in 357 healthy consecutive puerperae from the Caucasian population of Penne. Chi-square test of independence and three way contingency table analysis by a log-linear model were performed. Results Women with low-ADA activity and high-ACP1 activity show the lowest susceptibility to RSA. Women with high-ADA activity and low-ACP1 activity, on the contrary, show the highest susceptibility to RSA and also the highest incidence of auto antibodies and of A blood group incompatibility. Conclusion The data are in agreement with those expected on the basis of the effects of ACP1 and ADA genetic variability on T-cell receptor activity and suggest a cooperative effect of the two polymorphic systems in the susceptibility/resistance to repeated spontaneous abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To analyse the characteristics of HIV-infected patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and to compare them in the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HAART eras. Methods All HIV-infected patients who were admitted to the ICU of our hospital between January 1990 and December 2003 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were admitted before or after the advent of HAART, the cut-off date being 31 December 1996. Results Data were collected on 66 patients, 17 in the pre-HAART and 49 in the HAART era. The proportion of HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU in our HIV-infected population increased after the introduction of HAART (3.8 vs 0.5%; P=0.001), and the largest diagnostic group was respiratory pathology in both periods. More than a third of patients were diagnosed with HIV infection during the ICU income, and only 31.2% were on antiretroviral therapy. The in-hospital mortality was 53.0%, and later survival was high. There were no significant differences between the pre-HAART and HAART eras. Conclusions Our results suggest that the characteristics of HIV-infected patients admitted to ICU have not changed: respiratory diseases are still the most frequent cause of admission, in-hospital mortality is high, and later survival rates are good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an assessment of the merits of recent theories of legal reasoning. After a quick historical aperçu a number of models of legal argumentation are presented and discussed, with an eye to their mutual connection. An initial conclusion is that universalizability and discursivity are the common features of those models. The focal question dealt with, however, is that of the impact of the argumentative paradigms of adjudication on the very concept of law. Here the contention is that an argumentative style of reasoning contributes to rendering the structure of the law itself and its operations argumentative as well. By so doing the latter are—so to say—civilized and made less truculent. They will thus be able to develop more in conformity with a democratic form of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is meant as a philosophical preface to the study of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. In particular, attention is focused on a particular legal positivistic reading of legislation as a political moment which would not allow for transcendental rights. This view is rejected by pointing out how much the notion of citizenship and consequently of fundamental rights is central for the democratic, and in some case even for the legal positivistic, celebration of legislation. In the last section a few conclusions are drawn as far as the scope of the Charter is concerned. In particular, any interpretation of it in the framework of the so–called regulatory paradigm (which gives up the democratic connection between deliberation and representation) is considered incoherent and self–defeating. In addition the principle of indivisibility of rights is evoked in defence of the validity of social rights within the Charter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportions of cornstarch, cassava starch, and rice flour were optimized for production of glutenfree bread (with 0% and 0.5% soy flour) to maximize specific volume (Y1,Y1'), crumb-grain score (Y2,Y2'), and bread score (Y3,Y3'). A central composite design involving cornstarch/cassava starch ratio (X1) and rice fiour/cassava starch ratio (X2) was used, and 2nd-order models for Yi and Yi' were employed to generate response surfaces. The maxima of response surfaces for crumb-grain score and bread score indicate that optimal gluten-free bread can be prepared from 74.2% cornstarch, 17.2% rice flour, and 8.6% cassava starch. Addition of soy flour at the 0.5% level also improved bread texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psorosis, sometimes also associated with ringspot symptoms, is a widespread and damaging disease of citrus in many parts of the world including South America and the Mediterranean basin. We describe the application of RT-PCR and DAS-ELISA diagnostics to an isolate of citrus ringspot virus (CtRSV-4) and other virus isolates associated with this disease. Fragments of cDNA from bottom-component RNA of CtRSV-4 were cloned and sequenced, and PCR primers were designed, 5'ACAATAAGCAAGACAAC upstream, and 5 CCATGTCACTTCTATTC downstream. RT-PCR experiments using these primers allowed detection of CtRSV-4 in infected citrus leaves down to a tissue dilution of 1/12 800 representing 2μg of tissue, and less sensitive detection of the related citrus psorosis-associated vims (CPsAV90-l-l) and four other psorosis isolates from Argentina and the USA. In addition, CtRSV-4 particles were partially purified from local lesions in Chenopodium quinoa, and the preparations used to taise a rabbit antiserum. The antiserum was absorbed with extracts of healthy C quinoa leaves, and a DAS-ELISA kit was prepared and tested for detection of CtRSV-4, CPsAV90-l-l, and other psorosis isolates from Argentina, the USA, Italy and Spain. The ELISA detected CtRSV-4 down to a tissue dilution of 1/1600, and most other psorosis isolates down to dilutions of 1/200-1/800. Three of a total of 20 heterologous isolates were consistently negative. Comparison of the PCR and ELISA results suggests that both methods can be used for detection of a range of psorosis isolates, but that variation of the viruses in the field might cause problems for any one diagnostic test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of desensitization of epoetin-α in a confirmed case of acute exanthematic pustulosis is presented. An 88 year old man with renal failure due to chronic high blood pressure experienced three episodes of the afore mentioned condition. A desensitization protocol with epoetin-U+03B1 was successfully carried out, the drugs having been tolerated by the patient.