Koszul algebras and regularity

This is a survey paper on commutative Koszul algebras and Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity. We describe several techniques to establish the Koszulness of algebras. We discuss variants of the Koszul property such as strongly Koszul, absolutely Koszul and universally Koszul. We present several open problems related with these notions and their local variants

Role of Fibre in Nutritional Management of Pancreatic Diseases

The role of fibre intake in the management of patients with pancreatic disease is still controversial. In acute pancreatitis, a prebiotic enriched diet is associated with low rates of pancreatic necrosis infection, hospital stay, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiorgan failure. This protective effect seems to be connected with the ability of fibre to stabilise the disturbed intestinal barrier homeostasis and to reduce the infection rate. On the other hand, in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a high content fibre diet is associated with an increased wet fecal weight and fecal fat excretion because of the fibre inhibition of pancreatic enzymes. The mechanism by which dietary fibre reduces the pancreatic enzyme activity is still not clear. It seems likely that pancreatic enzymes are absorbed on the fibre surface or entrapped in pectin, a gel-like substance, and are likely inactivated by anti-nutrient compounds present in some foods. The aim of the present review is to highlight the current knowledge on the role of fibre in the nutritional management of patients with pancreatic disorders

Gradually worsening dyspnea and dry cough in an elderly patient

Primary tracheal chondrosarcomas are an extremely rare condition that affect adult of all ages, 24% being more that 70 years old.  The progression may be slow, with symptoms that may continue up to 72 months before diagnosis is made. The clinical manifestations, that include a combination of nonproductive cough, wheezing, and dyspnea without hemoptysis often leads to misdiagnosis of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We report a case of an 87-year-old male, a Medical Doctor, with such a history, in whom a diagnosis of a tracheal chondrosarcoma was finally performed, 12 months after the first manifestation of the disease.   

Guidelines for the monitoring of Rosalia alpina

Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) is a large longhorn beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) which is protected by the Habitats Directive and which typically inhabits beech forests characterised by the presence of mature, dead (or moribund) and sun-exposed trees. A revision of the current knowledge on systematics, ecology and conservation of R. alpina is reported. The research was carried out as part of the LIFE MIPP project which aims to find a standard monitoring method for saproxylic beetles protected in Europe. For monitoring this species, different methods were tested and compared in two areas of the Apennines, utilising wild trees, logs and tripods (artificially built with beech woods), all potentially suitable for the reproduction of the species. Even if all methods succeeded in the survey of the target species, these results showed that the use of wild trees outperformed other methods. Indeed, the use of wild trees allowed more adults to be observed and required less intensive labour. However, monitoring the rosalia longicorn on wild trees has the main disadvantage that they can hardly be considered “standard sampling units”, as each tree may be differently attractive to adults. Our results demonstrated that the most important factors influencing the attraction of single trunks were wood volume, sun-exposure and decay stage. Based on the results obtained during the project LIFE MIPP, as well as on a literature review, a standard monitoring method for R. alpina was developed

An integrated approach in a case of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

BACKGROUND: Muscle fatigue, weakness and atrophy are basilar clinical features that accompany facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) the third most common muscular dystrophy.No therapy is available for FSHD. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the effects of 6mo exercise therapy and nutritional supplementation in a 43-year-old woman severely affected by FSHD. CONCLUSION: A mixed exercise program combined with nutritional supplementation can be safely used with beneficial effects in selected patients with FSHD