ABSTRACT
The fast individuation and modeling of faults responsible for large earthquakes are fundamental for understanding the evolution of potentially destructive seismic sequences. This is even more challenging in case of buried thrusts located in offshore areas, like those hosting the 9 November 2022 Ml 5.7 (Mw 5.5) and ML 5.2 earthquakes that nucleated along the Apennines compressional front, offshore the northern Adriatic Sea. Available on- and offshore (from hydrocarbon platforms) geodetic observations and seismological data provide robust constraints on the rupture of a 15 km long, ca. 24° SSW-dipping fault patch, consistent with seismic reflection data. Stress increase along unruptured portion of the activated thrust front suggests the potential activation of longer portions of the thrust with higher magnitude earthquake and larger surface faulting. This unpleasant scenario needs to be further investigated, also considering their tsunamigenic potential and possible impact on onshore and offshore human communities and infrastructures.
ABSTRACT
Background: The colostrum of HIV-infected mothers contains a high number of HIV copies and is considered highly infectious. Furthermore it contains large numbers of macro- phage and other mononuclear cells that are known to incorporate virus. While prevention protocols in Western countries suggest the interruption of breast feeding; at least for the first few months of life; this practice is not advisable in developing countries. Methodology: The aim of this study was to determine the HIV load and the concentrations of IL-18; IL-16; IL-12; TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 in the colostrum of HIV-infected mothers living in Burkina Faso. The women all received nevirapine prophylaxis during labour. Results: The viral load in the colostrum decreased rapidly during the first three days following delivery; while the concentration of IL-18 and IL-16 increased in the same period. IL-12; TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 did not show significant variations in the first three days after delivery. Conclusions: Since the viral load decreases in the colostrum of nevirapine-treated expectant mothers; our data suggest single dose nevirapine combined with interruption of early feeding may have potential as a way to reduce the risk of MTCT
