Highly variable upper and abyssal overturning cells in the South Atlantic.

The Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) is a primary mechanism driving oceanic heat redistribution on Earth, thereby affecting Earth's climate and weather. However, the full-depth structure and variability of the MOC are still poorly understood, particularly in the South Atlantic. This study presents unique multiyear records of the oceanic volume transport of both the upper (<~3100 meters) and abyssal (>~3100 meters) overturning cells based on daily moored measurements in the South Atlantic at 34.5°S. The vertical structure of the time-mean flows is consistent with the limited historical observations. Both the upper and abyssal cells exhibit a high degree of variability relative to the temporal means at time scales, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Observed variations in the abyssal flow appear to be largely independent of the flow in the overlying upper cell. No meaningful trends are detected in either cell.

[Tobacco habits in a cohort of 4,135 adolescents attending high school in northern Italy. Results of a multicenter study]. / Abitudini tabagiche in una coorte di 4135 adolescenti che frequentano la scuola superiore nel Nord Italia. Risultati di uno studio multicentrico.

Assuming that adolescence--a high risk age as far as this behavior is concerned--is the crucial stage for prevention procedures, we don't know much about Italian adolescents' tobacco related behaviors, regardless of the fact that tobacco smoking is one of the most relevant problems of Public Health. The goal of this research has been assessing, through a multicentric study using an anonymous questionnaire, how spread is this behavior among 4135 students attending high school in five different areas of Northern Italy. The research points out a remarkable spreading of the phenomenon and suggests to anticipate prevention procedures during compulsory education, taking in account gender features.

[Assessment of eating disorders-related risk in a cohort of adolescents living in Northern Italy. Results from a multicenter study]. / Valutazione del rischio di disturbi del comportamento alimentare negli adolescenti del Nord Italia. Risultati di uno studio multicentrico.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evidence and epidemiological research show an increasing number of subjects trying to become lean and reaching consequently harmful weight conditions. Aim of this paper is to assess the risk for eating disorders during adolescence. METHODS: In a multicentric study high school students of 5 different districts of Northern Italy have been asked to fill up anonymously the Italian version of the American YRBSS (Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System) questionnaire. For each school a section has been selected and between January and March 1999, students of every level have been involved. The data enrollected have been analysed using EpiInfo6. RESULTS: The study involved 4135 adolescents (57% girls and 43% boys) coming from 260 classes and 47 different schools. The proportion of boys perceiving themselves as overweight and underweight was the same (22%), while the proportion of girls considering themselves overweight raised up to 42%. The majority of the girls (53%) is trying to slim making use of physical activity (48%), diets (32%), vomiting (8%) and drugs (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that specific projects focusing on primary and secondary prevention of eating disorders should be considered for high schools. In addition, further studies are suggested to understand characteristics and behaviours related to eating disorders.