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The figure of the Palmyrean queen Zenobia plays an important part in three vitae of the Historia Augusta (Gall., trig. tyr., Aurel.). The discrepancy in her representation was attributed to different sources or different authors. Since the representation of Zenobia even changes within one vita, there is no need to assume different authors. Being a counterpart to Gallienus, Odaenathus and Aurelianus, the figure of Zenobia changes correspondingly to these male figures. Her voluntary submission to the real – male – emperor finds an equivalent in the nation's voluntary submission to the real – male – ruler. The category of gender proves valuable in the analysis of characterisation and text intention. The vita Aureliani is interpreted as deconstructing the panegyric tones of the vitae Gallieni and triginta tyrannorum. more...

Background: Fever after acute cerebral injury is associated with unfavorable functional outcome and increased mortality, but there is controversy about the optimal antipyretic treatment. This study investigated an institutional standard operating procedure (SOP) for fever treatment in stroke patients including a sequence of pharmacologic and physical interventions. Methods: A 4-step antipyretic SOP was established for patients with acute cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage and a body temperature ≧37.5°C within the first 6 days after admission. Data on the course of body temperature, duration of fever and achievement of normothermia were recorded. Results were compared to a historic control group that underwent conventional treatment. Results: A total of 77 patients (mean age 70.4 ± 14.2 yeas) received 331 antipyretic interventions. Sequential administration of paracetamol (n = 219), metamizole (n = 71) and calf packing (n = 24) resulted in a significant drop in body temperature after 60 min in each instance. In 5 of 9 cases which were refractory to previous attempts, normothermia followed the infusion of ice-cooled saline. In more than 90% of cases treated per protocol, normothermia was achieved within 120 min. Compared to conventional treatment, fever burden was significantly lower within the first 4 days after admission (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This SOP may help to optimize antipyretic treatment for stroke patients. more...