cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Zein/HP-β-CD nano-in-microparticles as a platform to enhance cannabidiol oral delivery
Creators: name: Vitiello, Antonella
name: Ungaro, Francesca
name: Quaglia, Fabiana
name: Miro, Agnese
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: Nutraceuticals have been significantly advocated for preventive care, performance enhancement, and immune support. Recently, the scientific community has focused not only on the beneficial properties of nutraceuticals, but also on optimizing their delivery in the body [1]. Nanotechnology represents an effective strategy for manipulating and enhancing nutraceutical activity, tackling the technological limitations hindering their development and efficient oral delivery [2]. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound that shows major anti-inflammatory effects; unfortunately, CBD application in the food and pharmaceutical sectors are limited due to low bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, poor water solubility and sensitivity to oxidation [3]. Objective: Herein, we report the development of an oral delivery platform for CBD based on the combined use of zein, a natural prolamin extracted from the corn endosperm, with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-b-CD) and their processing through nano/microtechnologies. Methods: Once the experimental parameters were optimized, nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared through a liquid-liquid dispersion method and then transformed into a solid product (Nano-in-Micro-particles) through spray drying, a rapidly emerging technology able to improve the stability of the final product. All the systems were fully characterized through a large panel of techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (z) analysis, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and analytical sieving. Results: HP-b-CD held a crucial role in the formulation process due to its ability to form host-guest inclusion complexes with zein and act as a stabilizing agent of NPs. In addition, NPs were able to encapsulate lipophilic model molecules excellently. Conclusions: Our final product consisted of good-quality powders that were easily handled and stable when stored. Overall, the zein/HP-b-CD platforms developed here can be considered a novel tool for the efficient delivery of lipophilic compound in the body.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
Photoluminescence of chromium in gallium oxide and aluminum gallium oxide under pressure
Creators: name: Barmore, Lauren Margaret
Publisher: name: Washington State University
Year: 2023
Subjects: subject: chromium
subject: diamond anvil cell
subject: gallium oxide
subject: high pressure
subject: photoluminescence
subject: semiconductor
subject: Condensed Matter Physics
subject: FOS: Physical sciences

description: This work examines the effects of pressure and temperature on single crystals of Cr-doped gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3:Cr3+) and aluminum gallium oxide [(Al0.1Ga0.9)2O3, called AGO] by measuring the wavelength shift and intensity of the spectral R lines.R lines for both Ga2O3 and AGO showed a redshift with increasing temperature. At low temperatures, the R1 line intensity is dominant due to thermal depopulation of the R2 line. At temperatures greater than 50 K, the R2/R1 intensity ratio is strongly affected by nonradiative recombination. In Ga2O3, the nonradiative contribution is thermally activated, which results in strong emission at low temperatures, particularly for R1. AGO has smaller thermal activation barriers, possibly due to the increased disorder of the alloy which provides more nonradiative recombination pathways.
description: Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of these materials were collected from samples in diamond anvil cells at pressures up to 9 GPa. The response of the Cr3+ R lines in β-Ga2O3 to hydrostatic pressure showed significant differences from ruby (Al2O3:Cr3+). The R1-R2 splitting, which arises due to the crystal field and spin-orbit coupling, is larger in β-Ga2O3 and increases further with applied pressure. A similar effect was observed in AGO. However, the R1 line in AGO shows a smaller shift versus pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of AGO indicate that its equation of state is similar to that of β-Ga2O3. Nonradiative recombination contributes significantly to the pressure-dependent intensity of the R lines in both β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ and AGO.
description: β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ and AGO were examined under nonhydrostatic conditions by using mineral oil as a pressure-transmitting medium, which is nonhydrostatic above ~2.5 GPa. Similar to the case in ruby, the R1 line is much more sensitive to nonhydrostatic stress than R2. Spatially resolved PL of a β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ sample at 8 GPa in mineral oil showed significant variations in the R1 emission wavelength across the sample. A sample under hydrostatic pressure, in contrast, showed very homogenous emission wavelengths. These results suggest that the R1 line of β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ could serve as a sensitive indicator of nonhydrostatic stress, while the R2 line is insensitive to these perturbations.
description: As part of this work, the hydrostatic limits of mineral oil and heptane were established, enabling their use as pressure-transmitting media. From synchrotron XRD experiments, a solid-to-solid phase transition was discovered in heptane with onset at 1.5 GPa. The phase transition resulted in discontinuous shifts in vibrational peaks in the IR spectra.
Precision medicine, predictive models of prognosis and quality of life in oncology
Creators: name: Silveira, Augusta
name: Guedes, Beatriz
name: Castro, Inês
name: Sequeira, Teresa
name: Guimarães, Maria Inês
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: Precision medicine or personalized medicine, is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes the customization of medical treatment and interventions to individual patients based on unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Objective: To present Quality of Life results in Head and Neck Cancer patients. To discuss how patient reported outcomes can contribute to precision medicine. Methods: In this study, 380 head and neck cancer patients were evaluated. The published and validated Portuguese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used. The QLQ-C30 (version 3) incorporates 5 functional scales (physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social), 3 symptom scales (fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting), the global health status/quality of life scale (QoL), and 6 single items to assess additional symptoms or problems (dyspnea, loss of appetite, insomnia, financial difficulties, constipation, and diarrhea). Results: The study showed that women have lower overall Quality of Life results. It also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, which often relates to stages with better prognosis and better Quality of Life outcomes. The study showed that tumor location has an impact on Quality of Life self-perception. Values of Health Related Quality of Life should be analyzed along with socio-demographic and clinical variables in order to better understand the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of these cancers favoring a precision medicine. Conclusions: Patient reported outcomes have been recognized as very useful in individual and multidisciplinary decisions. Routine provision of patient reported outcomes to oncologists positively affects the process of care in several dimensions such as oncologist–patient communication, awareness of patients’ problems and discussion of symptoms during consultations. Patient reported outcomes to support precision medicine providing the assessment to crucial data to provide effective, evidence-based supportive care, rehabilitation and symptom management.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
Abudefduf vaigiensis
Creators: name: Bariche, Michel
name: Fricke, Ronald
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Pomacentridae
Abudefduf
Abudefduf vaigiensis

description: Abudefduf vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard 1825) —Indo-Pacific sergeant
Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Abudefduf vaigiensis by Bariche et al. (2015: 2366). Material in collection: AUBM.
Distribution. Red Sea, Indo-West Pacific: East Africa, South Africa, Socotra, Madagascar and Réunion (Mascarenes) east to Samoa and Tonga, north to southern Japan, south to Rottnest Island (Western Australia), Mallacoota (Victoria, Australia), and northern New Zealand; Mediterranean Sea (Red Sea immigrant); Hawaiian Islands introduction.
Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 4 November 2013). Capture and threats: Unknown. Occurrence: Rare. Nonindigenous species, no conservation action needed.
description: Published as part of Bariche, Michel & Fricke, Ronald, 2020, The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status, pp. 1-157 in Zootaxa 4775 (1) on page 136, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4775.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/3983887
Impact of tramadol on the hypothalamus: assessment of potential toxicity biomarkers
Creators: name: Henriques, Nuno J.
name: Dinis-Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge
name: Barbosa, Joana
name: Faria, Juliana
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: Tramadol is a widely prescribed opioid for the control of moderate to severe pain. It is a synthetic opioid, with an atypical mechanism of action, acting as an agonist of μ-opioid receptors and by inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin [1,2]. In spite of its analgesic effectiveness, tramadol exposure causes several adverse reactions, and despite advancements in understanding its toxicity mechanisms, its neurotoxic effects have not been fully elucidated yet [2,3], particularly its effects on the hypothalamus. Objective: The aim of this literature review is to summarize the main biomarkers of hypothalamic neurotoxicity resulting from tramadol exposure. Methods: A bibliographic search carried out in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) looked at biomarkers of toxicity within the hypothalamic structure resulting from the exposure to tramadol, without temporal restrictions. Results: In vivo studies showed that, while tramadol increases the synthesis of prodynorphins at low doses (20 mg/Kg), this effect is not observed at doses of 80 mg/Kg, which results in a decrease in their synthesis in the hypothalamus [2]. After acute tramadol administration, an increase in pERK1/2 levels was observed in the hypothalamus [4]. In vivo tests showed an increase in the expression of IRS2 and glucokinases in the hypothalamus [2]. High reductions in α2-adrenergic receptors in the structure of the hypothalamus have also been reported [5]. Conclusions: In summary, while tramadol is effective in pain control, its neurotoxic potential in the hypothalamus is apparent and dependent on the dose administered. It is associated with a decrease in noradrenaline reuptake through downregulation of adrenergic receptors, which can be harmful, as well as an increase in kinase expression or even an increase in the expression of insulin signaling pathway elements. Careful administration of tramadol is imperative due to its neurotoxic potential.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION AND MOTIVATION IN LEARNING ACTIVITIES: A THEORETICAL APPROACH
Creators: name: National Research Tomsk State University Master of Psychology Faculty. Rasulov Sherzodjon Bakhromjon ugli
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024

description: This theoretical study examines the intricate relationship between academic procrastination and motivation in learning activities. Academic procrastination is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in modern educational environments, impacting students' academic performance and psychological well-being. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory, the study explores various types of motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and their influence on academic procrastination.

          Keywords: Academic procrastination, procrastination, academic motivation,  extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, amotivation
Tramadol effects on the nucleus accumbens – insights from in vitro and in vivo studies
Creators: name: Pinho, Sara
name: Dinis-Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge
name: Faria, Juliana
name: Barbosa, Joana
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: Tramadol is mainly used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It synergistically combines two distinct mechanisms of action, being a selective agonist for mu-opioid receptors (MOR) and inhibiting serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake, which improves its analgesic and safety profile [1]. However, it is not devoid of neurobehavioral toxicity potential [2], whose molecular alterations are not fully clarified. Due to its primary role in reward, motivation and drug self-administration behaviors, the nucleus accumbens (NAC) is anticipated to participate in the mechanisms of tramadol addiction, dependence and toxicity. Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize the main neurotoxicity biomarkers and effects of tramadol exposure on the NAC. Methods: A bibliographic research of neurotoxicity biomarkers and findings concerning the NAC, upon exposure to tramadol, was performed on the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), with no temporal restrictions and considering in vitro and in vivo studies. Results: In vivo studies showed increased levels of MOR, p-CREB and deltaFosB in the NAC after acute and chronic exposure to tramadol (5 and 10 mg/kg) [3]. Even if apoptosis and inflammation are major NAC findings in in vivo studies, autophagy was also upregulated in in vitro studies with PC12 cells exposed to 50 mM tramadol [4]. In addition, it has been found that tramadol enhances dopamine levels in the NAC shell and that NAC cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) is involved in tramadol reinforcing effect and reinstatement [5]. Conclusions: In conclusion, although tramadol controls pain more effectively and with fewer adverse events than classical opioids, its neurotoxic potential is of particular concern. The nucleus accumbens has a relevant contribution to such neurobehavioral toxicity, as shown by multiple alterations in important cell death, inflammation and related signaling pathways. A personalized and cautious tramadol prescription is thus mandatory.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
title: Toxic Phytoplankton Of Pregola-Vistula Lagoon Estuary System
Creators: name: Semionova, S.N.
Publisher: name: ASC 1999 - N - Theme session
Year: 2024
Subjects: Pressures, impacts, conservation, and management

description: No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.Phytoplankton researches carried out at standard stations in Pregola River, Kaliningrad Sea Channel and north-eastern Vistula Lagoon (Kaliningrad Lagoon) in spring-autumn 1996-1997 are summarized in the paper. Species composition, structural peculiarities and quantitative indices of toxic algae development as well as the latter role in phytocene are analyzed.
Epidemiology and economic burden of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the United States: a literature review
Creators: name: Berry, James D.
name: Blanchard, Marie
name: Bonar, Kerina
name: Drane, Emma
name: Murton, Molly
name: Ploug, Uffe
name: Ricchetti-Masterson, Kristen
name: Savic, Natasa
name: Worthington, Emma
name: Heiman-Patterson, Terry
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2023
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Ecology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Science Policy
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences

description: Objective: This review sought to gain a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of the epidemiology and cost and healthcare resource use (HCRU) burden of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the US, at a patient and national level. Methods: A targeted literature review (TLR) to identify epidemiological evidence (prevalence, incidence, mortality, survival), and systematic literature review (SLR) to identify cost and HCRU data published since January 2016, were performed. MEDLINE databases and Embase searches were conducted in January 2021. Key congresses (2019–2020) and bibliographies of relevant SLRs were hand-searched. Two high-quality SLRs were reviewed for additional cost data published between January 2001–2015. Registry and database studies were prioritized for epidemiological evidence. To allow comparison between studies in this publication, only evidence from the US was considered, with costs inflated to the 2020/2021 cost-year and converted to US dollars. Results: Eight studies from the epidemiology TLR, and eighteen from the cost and HCRU SLR, were extracted. Reported ALS incidence in the US was ∼1.5 per 100,000 person-years, and point prevalence ranged from 3.84–5.56 per 100,000 population. Total US national costs spanned ∼$212 million-∼$1.4 billion USD/year, and variably consisted of direct costs associated with HCRU and indirect costs. Conclusions: The national cost of ∼$1.02 billion USD/year (estimated using a prevalence of 16,055 cases) best aligns with prevalence estimates found in the TLR (equating to ∼13,000–18,000 cases). However, large-scale, population-based studies are necessary to precisely assess US epidemiology of ALS and capture all costs needed to inform cost-effectiveness models and resource planning.
Rachycentron canadum
Creators: name: Bariche, Michel
name: Fricke, Ronald
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Rachycentridae
Rachycentron
Rachycentron canadum

description: Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus 1766) —Cobia
Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Rachycentron canadum by fasciata by Crocetta & Bariche in Crocetta et al. (2015: 697).
Distribution. Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical seas (including Red Sea, Persian Gulf), strays to Mediterranean Sea.
Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 21 August 2012). Capture and threats: Unknown. Occurrence: Very rare. Non-indigenous species, no conservation action needed.
description: Published as part of Bariche, Michel & Fricke, Ronald, 2020, The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status, pp. 1-157 in Zootaxa 4775 (1) on page 136, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4775.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/3983887
Comparing Cytotoxic Effects of Synthetic Cathinones and Methamphetamine on Cardiac AC16 Cell
Creators: name: Luís, Cláudia
name: Vitorino-Oliveira, Cláudia
name: Gaspar, Helena
name: Carvalho, Félix
name: Capela, João Paulo
name: Costa, Vera Marisa
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background Synthetic cathinones are psychoactive derivatives of the natural drug cathinone. Despite being sold as safer than traditional drugs, over the years there has been a rise in fatalities associated with the cardiotoxic effects of synthetic cathinones [1]. Still, few studies address the mechanisms underlying this toxicity. Objective: This work aimed to study the cardiotoxicity of synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, 3,4-DMMC, ethcathinone, α-PHP, 4-CEC, 4-MEC and α-PVP) in the AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell line and compare it with the toxicity of methamphetamine. Methods: The human cardiomyocyte cell line AC16 was differentiated using horse serum for 24 hours [2]. After differentiation, they were exposed for 48 hours to different concentrations of methamphetamine (1-10 mM), and to the following synthetic cathinones: mephedrone (0.1-10 mM), 3,4-DMMC (0.05-5 mM), ethcathinone (1-10 mM), α-PVP (0.5-5 mM), α-PHP (0.5-5 mM), 4-CEC (0.5-5 mM) and 4-MEC (0.5-5 mM). After the exposure period, two cytotoxicity tests were performed: the MTT reduction and neutral red uptake assays. Results: All the cathinones, (mephedrone, 3,4-DMMC, ethcathinone, α-PHP, 4-CEC, 4-MEC and α-PVP) as well as methamphetamine presented significant cytotoxicity in differentiated AC16 cells, with their cytotoxic effects escalating proportionally with higher concentrations. In the MTT reduction assay, significant cytotoxicity was observed with 3,4-DMMC at a concentration as low as 0.1 mM, mephedrone at 0.25 mM, α-PHP and 4-CEC at 0.5 mM, α-PVP and 4-MEC at 1 mM, while methamphetamine exhibited meaningful toxicity starting at 2.5 mM, and ethcathinone at 5 mM. Over all, the results obtained in the NR uptake assay revealed that higher concentrations were needed to induce cytotoxicity. Conclusions: Although synthetic cathinones are sold as safer than methamphetamine, some have an equal or even greater potential to cause cytotoxicity in this cell model. However, further studies are needed to determine the impact of these cathinones on cellular processes.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
title: Diarrheic Shellfish Toxins (Dst) In Mussels Along The Swedish West Coast
Creators: name: Rehnstam-Holm, Ann-Sofi
name: Edebo, Lars
name: Haamer, Joel
name: Lindahl, Odd
name: Hernroth, Bodil
name: Noren, Fredrik
Publisher: name: ASC 1999 - N - Theme session
Year: 2024
Subjects: Pressures, impacts, conservation, and management

description: No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.Monitoring of DST by HPLC-analysis ofhepatopancreas, has been performed at our laboratory since 1987. Great differences have been observed between adjacent individual mussels, different geographical locations for mussel growth, and different seasons of the year1. A computer aided gamma camera technique has been used to study individual differences in uptake and elimination of radio labelled particles 2•3. These studies showed that the variation in the elimination efficiency was pronounced while the differences in uptake capacity were of minor importance. Likewise, it was shown that the temporary variation within an individual could be as high as the variation between individuals. To find the regulating factors for these processes is essential in order to explain the great differences noted between adjacent mussels, and to improve the monitoring design, in respect to public health.
CdSe quantum dots synthesized by laser ablation in water and their photovoltaic applications
Creators: name: Horoz, Sabit
name: Lu, Liyou
name: Dai, Qilin
name: Chen, Jiajun
name: Yakami, Baichhabi
name: Pikal, J. M.
name: Wang, Wenyong
name: Tang, Jinke
Publisher: name: University of Wyoming. Libraries
Year: 2012
Subjects: Physical Sciences and Mathematics

description: CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have been prepared by a facile and clean synthesis method––laser ablation in water. The structural and luminescent properties of the CdSe QDs have been investigated. The CdSe QDs of wurtzite crystal structure have an average particle size of about 5 nm. The QDs can be attached to ZnO nanowires making them ideal for applications in QD sensitized nanowire solar cells. A uniqueness of the QDs attached to the ZnO nanowires by this laser ablation method is that they do not contain ligands, and the preparation avoids the complicated process of ligand exchange.
Neurotoxicity Evaluation of Four Structurally Similar Synthetic Cathinones in a Cholinergic Neuronal Model: a Comparative Analysis
Creators: name: Fonseca, Catarina Da
name: Malheiro, Rui
name: Remião, Fernando
name: Pedro Silva, João
name: Silva, Renata
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: Synthetic cathinones are potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that induce diverse neurological and psychiatric effects such as delusions, hallucinations, and agitation [1]. This fast-expanding class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) represented the majority of those seized in the European Union in 2021 [2]. Despite the growing recreational use, knowledge on their neurotoxic mechanisms, namely during neuronal differentiation, remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the neurotoxicity of four structurally-related synthetic cathinones (3-CMC, 4-CMC, 4-CEC, and Ethcathinone), differing in the presence and position of a chlorine in the aromatic ring and in the length of the N-alkyl group, using a well-characterized neuritogenesis in vitro model. Methods: Lysosomal integrity, analyzed by the neutral red uptake assay, and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production, evaluated with the DCFH-DA probe, were assessed in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cells differentiated into a cholinergic phenotype [induced by serum-starved medium (1% FBS) supplemented with forskolin (30 μM) and retinoic acid (10 μM)], following a 24 h exposure to the tested drugs (1 nM – 1 mM). Results: All synthetic cathinones tested significantly reduced lysosomal integrity and increased ROS/RNS formation. The cathinones with a chlorine in the position 4 of the aromatic ring exhibited more pronounced effects, causing cell viability loss at concentrations ≥100 μM, while for the others it was only significant for concentrations ≥500 μM. Moreover, structures with a longer N-alkyl substituent appeared to show higher cytotoxicity (probably related to their higher lipophilicity), with 4-CEC demonstrating greater lysosomal integrity loss (50%) relatively to control than 4-CMC (80%) at 100 μM. Conclusions: Halogen positioning within the aromatic ring, as well as their lipophilicity, influenced the cytotoxicity of synthetic cathinones, being seemingly associated with increased oxidative stress. Future research should encompass mechanistic studies, particularly focusing on specific neurogenesis-related processes, to comprehensively unravel the mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
Probabilistic Approach to Rock Physics Modeling
Creators: name: Grana, Dario
Publisher: name: University of Wyoming. Libraries
Year: 2014
Subjects: BAYESIAN LITHOLOGY/FLUID PREDICTION
PRESTACK SEISMIC DATA
V-S
INVERSION
RESERVOIR
POROSITY
AVO
SANDSTONES

description: Rock physics modeling aims to provide a link between rock properties, such as porosity, lithology, and fluid saturation, and elastic attributes, such as velocities or impedances. These models are then used in quantitative seismic interpretation and reservoir characterization. However, most of the geophysical measurements are uncertain; therefore, rock physics equations must be combined with mathematical tools to account for the uncertainty in the data. We combined probability theory with rock physics modeling to make predictions of elastic properties using probability distributions rather than definite values. The method provided analytical solutions of rock physics models in which the input is a random variable whose exact value is unknown but whose probability distribution is known. The probability distribution derived with this approach can be used to quantify the uncertainty in rock physics model predictions and in rock property estimation from seismic attributes. Examples of fluid substitution and rock physics modeling were studied to illustrate the application of the method.
Scarus ghobban Forsskal 1775
Creators: name: Bariche, Michel
name: Fricke, Ronald
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Scaridae
Scarus
Scarus ghobban

description: Scarus ghobban Forsskål 1775 —Blue-barred parrotfish
Taxonomy. First records from Lebanon as Scarus ghobban Forsskål 1775 by Bariche & Saad 2008; subsequently as recorded as Scarus ghobban by Bariche & Bernardi (2009); as Upeneus ghobban by Carpentieri et al. (2009: 3); as Scarus ghobban by Bariche et al. (2015: 2366). Material in collection: AUBM.
Distribution. Red Sea, Indo-Pacific: East Africa, South Africa, Socotra, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mascarenes and Persian Gulf east to Panama (eastern Pacific), north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Rottnest Island (Western Australia), New South Wales (Australia), Lord Howe Island, northern New Zealand, Kermadec Islands and Rapa; Mediterranean Sea (Red Sea immigrant).
Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 18 September 2009). Capture and threats: Unknown. Occurrence: Common. Significant increase in the last two decades. Non-indigenous species, no conservation action needed.
description: Published as part of Bariche, Michel & Fricke, Ronald, 2020, The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status, pp. 1-157 in Zootaxa 4775 (1) on page 137, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4775.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/3983887
FDG-PET shows weak correlation between focal motor weakness and brain metabolic alterations in ALS
Creators: name: Sennfält, Stefan
name: Pagani, Marco
name: Fang, Fang
name: Savitcheva, Irina
name: Estenberg, Ulrika
name: Ingre, Caroline
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2023
Subjects: subject: Biochemistry
subject: Space Science
subject: Medicine
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Cancer
subject: Mental Health
subject: Computational Biology

description: Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinically heterogenous disease, typically presenting with focal motor weakness that eventually generalizes. Weather there is a correlation between focal motor weakness and metabolic alterations in specific areas of the brain has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to systematically investigate this by using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), including longitudinal imaging. Methods: This observational imaging study included 131 ALS patients diagnosed and examined with FDG-PET at the ALS Clinical Research Center at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Thirteen ALS patients had a second scan and were analyzed longitudinally. The findings were compared to 39 healthy controls examined at the University Medical Center of Gröningen, the Netherlands. Results: There was a general pattern of brain metabolic alterations consistent with previously reported findings in ALS, namely hypometabolism in frontal regions and hypermetabolism in posterior regions. A higher symptom burden was associated with increased hypometabolism and decreased hypermetabolism. However, there was no clear correlation between focal motor weakness and specific metabolic alterations, neither when analyzing focal motor weakness with concomitant upper motor neuron signs or when including all focal motor weakness. Longitudinal FDG-PET imaging showed inconsistent results with little correlation between progression of motor weakness and metabolic alterations. Conclusion: Our results support the disease model of ALS as a diffuse process since no clear correlation was seen between focal motor weakness and specific metabolic alterations. However, there is need for further research on a larger number of patients, particularly including longitudinal imaging.
Scomberomorus commerson
Creators: name: Bariche, Michel
name: Fricke, Ronald
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Scombridae
Scomberomorus
Scomberomorus commerson

description: Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède 1800) —Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel
Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède) by George & Athanassiou (1965: 1–4); subsequently recorded as Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède) by Mouneimné (1977: 64); as Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepède 1800) by Mouneimné (2002: 226–227); recently recorded as Scomberomorus commerson by Carpentieri et al. (2009: 3); as Scomberomorus commerson by Bariche et al. (2015: 2366); Fanelli et al. 2014.
Distribution. Red Sea, Indo-West Pacific: East Africa, South Africa, Socotra, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, western Mascarenes and Persian Gulf, east to Palau and Fiji, north to Korea and southern Japan, south to Rottnest Island (Western Australia), New South Wales (Australia), New Caledonia and Lord Howe Island; southern central Atlantic: Saint Helena Island; Mediterranean Sea (Red Sea immigrant).
Conservation. IUCN: Global (NT: 5 December 2009). Capture and threats: Unknown. Occurrence: Very common. Non-indigenous species, no conservation action needed.
description: Published as part of Bariche, Michel & Fricke, Ronald, 2020, The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status, pp. 1-157 in Zootaxa 4775 (1) on page 137, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4775.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/3983887
Exploring the biosurfactant potential of Actinobacteria isolated from Ruta graveolens
Creators: name: Ferreira, Sílvia
name: Ribeiro, Inês
name: Oliveira, Rui S.
name: Carvalho, Maria De Fátima
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds known for their emulsifying properties and numerous advantages, including low environmental toxicity, eco-friendliness, biodegradability and acceptability. These molecules are amphiphilic, containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends, allowing them to interact at the aqueous-non-aqueous interface [1]. Bacterial biosurfactants are interesting due to their various fields of applications, including biomedicine, cosmetics, food, pharmaceutics, water treatment and oil recovery [2]. Actinobacteria are an important group of microorganisms with high potential for producing different bioactive metabolites including antimicrobial, anticancer and other pharmaceutical compounds [3]. Medicinal plants, such as Ruta graveolens, are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and the association of actinobacteria endophytes with such plants are an attractive source for bioprospecting for novel compounds with biomedical and industrial applications [3]. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the biosurfactant activity of actinobacterial strains previously isolated from R. graveolens.  Methods: Fifteen previously isolated actinobacterial strains were inoculated into 100 mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 30 mL of Kim’s broth supplemented with 3% filtered olive oil as a hydrophobic carbon source. After two weeks, biosurfactant production was analyzed by measuring the emulsification activity. Results: Eight out of the 15 actinobacterial strains showed emulsification activity. All results were compared with a positive control consisting of Triton X100 (1mg/ml), and a negative control consisting in Kim’s broth. Almost all strains that revealed positive activity are affiliated to the actinobacterial species Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens (7/8), with one strain belonging to the species Microbacterium gisengiterae. Comparative analysis with the positive control (with an emulsification activity of 60%), indicated that 3/8 samples showed high emulsification activity (>40%), 1 showed moderate activity (37%) and 4/8 showed low/moderate activity (20-30%). Conclusions: The subsequent phases of this study will involve analyzing if the potential biosurfactant compounds can reduce the surface tension and if they can represent new molecules.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
Nutritional profile evaluation of plant-based fermented products alternative to yogurts available in the Portuguese market
Creators: name: Maltez, Inês
name: Garcia, Inês
name: Real, Helena
Publisher: name: Scientific Letters
Year: 2024

description: Background: In recent years, there has been a growing number of people following a plant-based diet, accompanied by the emergence of dairy analogs on the market, presenting themselves as plant-based alternatives. These products seek to mimic the organoleptic characteristics of dairy products, but their nutritional profiles are not always similar [1,2]. Objective:Classify the plant-based fermented products alternative to yogurts according to nutritional classification systems – Nutri-Score and Traffic light [3,4] - and compare their nutritional profile with yogurts. Methods: Market research was carried out on the websites of three Portuguese supermarket chains, along February 2024, collecting existing information on available plant-based fermented yogurts. Both nutritional classifications systems were applied to 47 products, which met the inclusion criteria “availability of the nutritional declaration and ingredient list online”. Subsequently, the nutritional composition of these products was compared with that of yogurts available in the Portuguese Food Composition Table [5]. Results: Of the 47 considered products, 49% (n=23) obtained classification A, 32% (n=15) classification B and 19% (n=9) classification C, according to Nutri-Score, while according to Traffic light, 19% (n=9) of these products showed all parameters in green. On average, per 100 grams of product, plant-based fermented yogurts have a lower sugar content (6.5 g compared to 8.4 g in yogurts), while the values of lipids (2.4 g), saturated fatty acids (0.9 g) and salt (0.19 g) of these preparations are similar to that of yogurts (2 g, 1.2 g and 0.17 g, respectively). Most products included are fortified (57%), with calcium and vitamins D, B12 and B2 being the most frequently added micronutrients. Conclusion: According to Nutri-Score, the highest ratings, A and B, represent most products while the highest Traffic light rating constitutes only 19% (n=9) of all products. The macronutrient content of these products is similar to yogurts. Micronutrient fortification is not present in all plant-based fermented yogurts available on the Portuguese market.
description: Scientific Letters, Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2024)
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-health index (ALS-HI): development and evaluation of a novel outcome measure
Creators: name: Varma, Anika
name: Weinstein, Jennifer
name: Seabury, Jamison
name: Rosero, Spencer
name: Zizzi, Christine
name: Alexandrou, Danae
name: Wagner, Ellen
name: Dilek, Nuran
name: Heatwole, John
name: Wuu, Joanne
name: Caress, James
name: Bedlack, Richard
name: Granit, Volkan
name: Statland, Jeffrey
name: Mehta, Paul
name: Benatar, Michael
name: Kaat, Aaron
name: Heatwole, Chad
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2023
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Pharmacology
subject: Immunology
subject: FOS: Clinical medicine
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Cancer
subject: Science Policy
subject: Hematology
subject: Virology

description: Objective: The identification of effective therapeutics for ALS necessitates valid and responsive outcome measures to track disease progression and therapeutic gain in clinical trial settings. The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Health Index (ALS-HI) is a multifaceted, disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PRO) designed to measure ALS symptomatic disease burden in adults with ALS. Methods: Through a national cross-sectional study of individuals with ALS, we identified the most important symptoms in ALS. These symptoms were incorporated into the ALS-HI, a measure that quantifies the multifaceted disease burden in ALS. We performed factor analysis, qualitative patient interviews, test-retest reliability assessment, and known groups analysis to evaluate and validate the ALS-HI. Results: The cross-sectional study included 497 participants with ALS who identified the most important symptoms to include in the ALS-HI. Fifteen participants beta tested the ALS-HI and found it to be clear, easy to use, and relevant. Twenty-one participants engaged in a test-retest reliability study, which indicated the reliability of the instrument (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.952 for full instrument). The final ALS-HI and its subscales demonstrated a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.981 for full instrument) and an ability to differentiate between groups with dissimilar disease severity. Conclusions: This research supports use of the ALS-HI as a valid, sensitive, reliable, and relevant PRO to assess the multifactorial disease burden faced by adults with ALS. The ALS-HI has potential as a mechanism to track disease progression and treatment efficacy during therapeutic trials.
Epinephelus fasciatus
Creators: name: Bariche, Michel
name: Fricke, Ronald
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Serranidae
Epinephelus
Epinephelus fasciatus

description: Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål 1775) —Blacktip grouper
Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål 1775) by Bariche & Heemstra (2012).
Distribution. Red Sea, Indo-West Pacific: East Africa, South Africa and Socotra east to Wake Atoll, Marshall Islands and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Tonga and Rapa.
Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 21 November 2016). Capture and threats: Unknown. Occurrence: Very rare. Non-indigenous species, no conservation action needed.
description: Published as part of Bariche, Michel & Fricke, Ronald, 2020, The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status, pp. 1-157 in Zootaxa 4775 (1) on page 137, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4775.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/3983887
title: Current Switching As A Mechanism For Rapid Climate Change
Creators: name: Rossby, T.
Publisher: name: ASC 1999 - O - Theme session
Year: 2024
Subjects: Pressures, impacts, conservation, and management

description: No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.In this paper we suggest an oceanic mechanism for the sudden climate warming at the end of the last ice age. The process itself is quite simple, the path of the paleo-Gulf Stream (pGS) changes direction from that of a zonal current to today's North Atlantic Current east of the Grand Banks. The suddenness of the transition is accomplished through two steps, a northward shift in path of the pGS until it makes contact with the bathymetry of the southeast of the Grand Banks whereupon some of the warm waters lock onto the continental slope and flow north thereby effectively transporting warm salty water far into Subpolar waters. The arrival of these high salinity waters in the Nordic Seas sharply increases the production of NADW thereby ramping up the demand for more salty water. The resulting warm sea surface temperatures lead the climate change.
title: Ecosystem Responses Of The Southeastern Bering Sea To Abnormal Weather Patterns In 1997 And 1998
Creators: name: Hunt, G. L.
name: Jr.
name: Baduini, C. L.
name: Brodeur, R. D.
name: Coyle, K. O.
name: Napp, J. M.
name: Schumacher, J. D.
name: Stabeno, P. J.
name: Stockwell, D. A.
name: Whitledge, T. E.
name: Zeeman, S.I.
Publisher: name: ASC 1999 - O - Theme session
Year: 2024
Subjects: Pressures, impacts, conservation, and management

description: No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.Climate change will influence marine ecosystems through changes in weather patterns. Thus, examination of the interactions between weather and physical/biological processes in the ocean provides information relevant for predicting the potential impacts of global change on regional ecosystems. In response to unusual weather patterns in both 1997 and 1998, the physical and biological regimes of the southeastern Bering Sea differed greatly from long-term climatological patterns. In 1997, there was ice present until April, an ice-related bloom with draw-down of nutrients, and a mixing event in mid-May that renewed production. Unusually warm, calm weather􀀹nd deep depletion of nutrients followed. Subsequently the first-documented Bering Sea coccolithophorid bloom and a short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) die-off occurred. In 1998, sea ice was present briefly in February, and.storms following ice retreat prevented a strong thermocline until late June. Rather than a short pulse, production was moderate and consistent from May through June. The coccolithophorid bloom was still present, apparently having over-wintered. Although shearwaters were again malnourished, no unusual mortality was found. In both 1997 and 1998, adult euphausiids (Thysanoessa raschil), a primary food of shearwaters, had densities over the inner shelf one to two orders of magnitude lower than in the period 1972-1982; copepod densities were one to two orders of magnitude higher than previously reported.
Clinical and demographical characteristics in a cohort of MND patients treated with riluzole. Differences between tablets and oral suspension
Creators: name: Romero-Gangonells, Elisabet
name: Virgili-Casas, M. Núria
name: Povedano, Mònica
name: Barceló, Maria A
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2023
Subjects: Medicine
Cell Biology
Pharmacology
Cancer
Hematology

description: Objective: To describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with MND treated with riluzole by comparing two dosage forms (oral suspension and tablets), as well as the impact on survival in patients with and without dysphagia according to the form of dosage. Methods: Retrospective and prospective cohort of patients diagnosed with MND at the multidisciplinary functional unit of Motor Neuron Disease in our center in the period between 1 of January 2011 and 31 of December 2020 (n = 742). A descriptive analysis (univariate and bivariate) was carried out and survival curves were estimated. Results: During the follow-up period, 402 males (54.18%) and 340 females (45.82%) were diagnosed with MND. Of these patients, 632 (97.23%) were being treated with 100mg riluzole: 282 (54.55%) patients took this in tablet form and 235 (45.45%) oral suspension. Riluzole in tablet form is taken more frequently by men than women, in younger age ranges, and mostly without dysphagia (78.31%). Also, it is the predominant dosage form for classic spinal ALS and respiratory phenotypes. Dosages via oral suspension are taken by patients in the older age ranges (over 64.8 years), mostly with dysphagia (53.67%) and more frequently with bulbar phenotypes such as classic bulbar ALS and PBP. Because of this, patients using oral suspension (most of them with dysphagia) had a poorer survival rate (at 90% CI) than patients using tablets (most of them without dysphagia). Conclusions: The most appropriate dosage form should be given according to the patient’s needs at each stage of the disease and, furthermore, oral suspension could improve adherence to treatment because it avoids having to change from one form (tablet) to the other (suspension) when swallowing disorders appear.
Paranthias furcifer
Creators: name: Bariche, Michel
name: Fricke, Ronald
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Perciformes
Serranidae
Paranthias
Paranthias furcifer

description: Paranthias furcifer (Valenciennes 1828) —Creole-fish
Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Paranthias furcifer by fasciata by Crocetta & Bariche in Crocetta et al. (2015: 697).
Distribution. Western Atlantic: Bermuda and Gulf of Mexico, eastern and southeastern Caribbean Sea and south to Brazil; central and eastern Atlantic: Ascension Island and islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Invasive at Canary Islands.
Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 02 November 2017). Capture and threats: Unknown. Occurrence: Very rare. Non-indigenous species, no conservation action needed.
description: Published as part of Bariche, Michel & Fricke, Ronald, 2020, The marine ichthyofauna of Lebanon: an annotated checklist, history, biogeography, and conservation status, pp. 1-157 in Zootaxa 4775 (1) on page 137, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4775.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/3983887