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The strong 1980 M6.81 Irpinia earthquake in Southern Italy critically damaged the Pavoncelli hydraulic tunnel. Based on geological, petrophysical and geomechanical investigations and seismological data, a multi-scale geological model was inferred. The detrital mode and key petrophysical properties (porosity, permeability, and nanopore volumes) data have been used for defining the water-reservoir potential of the arenitic successions, with a focus on defining the hydrogeological model. The model was then used to perform a novel back-analysis of the spatial distribution of the peak ground acceleration (PGA) caused by the 1980 earthquake accounting for site-effects in a robust manner. This analysis, which accounts for site-effects in a robust manner, shows high PGA values along the length of the Pavoncelli tunnel, which is located between the causative fault of the 1980 earthquake in the vicinity of the epicenter. The main outcomes of the study are that: (1) the multi-scale and interdisciplinary approach developed in this study can be used in future studies in this and other areas, (2) the spatial 2D-3D geological model must be accounted for when analyzing distributed systems, (3) the hydrogeological model coupled with porosity data allows for reservoir analyses and (4) the complex tectonic environment in the area hosting the Pavoncelli tunnel plays a strong role in the analysis of the spatial distribution of PGA, creating the need for site-specific seismic microzonation studies and the evaluation of near-fault effects. • The multi-scale and interdisciplinary approach developed in this study can be used in future studies in this and other areas. • The Pavoncelli-bis hydraulic tunnel is located between two normal faults capable of high-magnitude earthquakes in Irpinia, Italy. • The petrophysical properties of sandstones shows significant variation in porosity, permeability, and pore diameter among the studied units that strongly influence the architecture of gas and water reservoirs and underground water circulation. • Underground passages in mountain range areas are characterized by highly intricate geological structures and a complex soil-structure response under dynamic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Carboniferous detrital suites of the Ghomaride Subdomain (Rif Cordillera, N Morocco) has been undertaken in order to obtain paleogeographic and paleotectonic constraints. Microconglomerate and sandstone samples from eight sections belonging to four sectors were petrographically studied. This northern Gondwana domain was part of the Paleo-Mesomediterranean Plate, located between the Iberian-French Plates and the African Paleo-Atlas-Saharian Domain, which outlines a gap of knowledge since these domains are now part of the Alpine peri-Mediterranean chains. Part of this data-lacking is related to the sandstone detrital modes that have never studied in this area, allowing to obtain information about provenance derived from growing orogens, as well as orogenic processes, and tectonic, climatic and/or erosional events. The study has revealed that the sandstones are litharenites to feldsphatic litharenites, evolving upward to lithic arkoses, and has evidenced a quartzolithic petrofacies with a transitional recycled orogen provenance. The metamorphiclastic detritus displays a low to middle-upper metamorphic rank upwardly referred to a subducted terrane. Serpentinite-like detritus indicates a metamorphosed oceanic crust being dismantled. A supply from the Rheic Ocean seems improbable since it was very far and beyond the Iberian Plate. Therefore, closer oceanic sutures should be proposed, probably separating the Paleo-Mesomediterranean Plate from the Iberian-French Plate and from the Paleo-Atlas-Saharian Domain. The sin-sedimentary volcanic activity (felsic to mafic) reinforces the idea of subductions. A correlation with other Culm successions of the western Paleotethys has allowed the performing of a paleogeographic-paleotectonic model during the Paleotethysian tectonic phase, in which the studied sandstones were deposited in a foredeep connected northward with limestone platforms and with a crystalline emerged domain (hinterland-orogenic front: Iberia-French Plate and part of the Paleo-Mesomediterranean Plate) and transitioning southward to an oceanic branch of the western Paleotethys, and finally with the Paleo-Atlas-Saharian band acting as passive margin in the foreland. • Culm sandstones in Ghomaride Complex are quartzolithic. • High-to-low metamorphic-grade detritus reflects a recycled orogen source. • Ophiolitic detritus suggests a lost oceanic branch. • Acid to basic volcaniclastics refer to lost synsedimentary volcanic arcs. • Sandstone detrital mode reveals foredeep depositional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U–Pb spot ages on detrital zircons from turbidite quartzarenites, quartz-feldspathic and volcaniclastic sandstones of the Tufiti di Tusa (TTF), Numidian Flysch (NF), Bifurto (BF), Gorgoglione (GF) and Serra Palazzo (SPF) formations, exposed in southern Italy, were detected to define their provenance signatures aiming to contribute to reconstructing the complex geodynamic evolution of the southern Apennine chain. The deposition ages of these sandstones range from Rupelian (TTF), Burdigalian p.p. -Early Langhian (NF and BF) and Langhian-Serravallian -Early Tortonian (GF and SPF). The detrital zircon ages in each deposit show different clusters. In TTF, the zircon age clusters are: 610 ± 6 Ma; 390 ± 4 Ma; 287 ± 3 Ma; 157 ± 2 Ma; 78 ± 1 Ma and 67 ± 1 Ma; 33 ± 1 Ma. In NF and BF formations, the prevalent zircon ages are clustered at 661 ± 10 Ma, 607 ± 8 Ma and 547 ± 8 Ma. In GF sandstones, the ages of detrital zircons are clustered around 672 ± 28 Ma, 458 ± 9 Ma, 297 ± 8 Ma and 24 ± 1 Ma. The sandstones of SPF contain zircons showing age clusters at 649 ± 10 Ma, 486 ± 7 Ma and 315 ± 5 Ma. Zircons and lithic fragments from TTF display a dominant provenance from Oligocene calc-alkaline effusive products located on western domains of the Mesomediterranean Microplate, and minor detritus from granitoids and metamorphic rocks of Variscan ages. Zircons of NF and BF indicate a provenance of detritus from the African Craton without evidence of Variscan or Alpine signatures. Zircons from GF and SPF show a provenance from both Variscan crystalline basement rocks forming the Alpine chain (Calabria-Peloritani Terranes) and Variscan magmatic and metamorphic rocks unaffected by Alpine tectonics, similar to Sardinia–Corsica (pro-parte) block. In addition, the Oligocene magmatic component dated at 24 Ma in GF sandstones is evidence for the maximum age of sedimentation for these deposits. In light of the recent and preliminary geochronological data acquired, a revised paleogeographic restoration could be inferred for the location of sedimentary basins during the Apennines tectonic evolution. The Rupelian sedimentation age of TTF suggests that the deposition domains of the Numidian sequences and the successive deposits of GF and SPF, were located in a more complex paleogeographic scenario along the orogenic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MS, AQP4-Ab NMOSD and MOGAD can have overlapping paraclinical and neuroradiological features. • Fluffy infratentorial lesions (FIT) are more common in MOGAD than AQP4-Ab NMOSD and rarely occur in MS. • The "1/3″ criteria perform well in discriminating MS from NMOSD and MOGAD regardless of ethnic background and clinical scenario. • Adding the absence of FIT lesions increases the specificity in those presenting with brain/brainstem symptoms. The "1/3″ brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria including 1) a lesion adjacent to the lateral ventricle and in the inferior temporal lobe, or 2) a juxtacortical lesion, or 3) a Dawson finger-type lesion were shown to distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) from antibody-mediated conditions. In this large multicentre study, we aimed to assess how the criteria perform 1) in different onset phenotypes, 2) distinct ethnic groups, 3) when the absence of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab)-associated disease (MOGAD)-typical fluffy infratentorial (FIT) lesions and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) lesions are added as features ("2/4″ and 3/5″ criteria, respectively). 577 patients with MS (n = 332), aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) (n = 196) and MOGAD (n = 49) were recruited from 6 international centres (Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Maracaibo, Goyang, Oxford and Milan). Imaging scans were obtained at disease onset or relapse. Adding the absence of FIT lesions increased the specificity of the "1/3″ criteria vs. AQP4-Ab NMOSD from 84.7% to 87.2% and vs. MOGAD from 85.7% to 93.9% without compromising their sensitivity (86%). In particular, for those presenting with brain/brainstem attacks "2/4″ had significantly higher specificity than "1/3″ (85% vs. 80% against AQP4-Ab NMOSD, 88.9% vs. 72.2% against MOGAD). Positive predictive values of the "1/3″ criteria for MS were lowest for Asian patients (84.8 vs. 99.1% for White) but were significantly increased by adding further criteria (94.1% for "3/5″). The "1/3″ criteria perform well in discriminating MS from NMOSD and MOGAD regardless of ethnic background and clinical scenario. Adding the absence of FIT lesions increases the specificity in those presenting with brain/brainstem symptoms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PLR and NLR have been assessed in several autoimmune diseases as biomarkers of inflammation. • PLR is increased in NMOSD when compared to MS, but no significant differences were found for NLR. • PLR was the only independent predictor of EDSS ≥ 4 in NMOSD patients at 2 years (Mixed-effects model). • PLR was the only independent predictor of EDSS ≥ 4 in NMOSD patients at 2 years (logistic regression). We aimed to assess platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) for differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from aquaporin-4-antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) at disease onset. We retrospectively enrolled and reviewed the medical records of patients with MS (N = 50) and NMOSD (N = 33) followed in specialized MS/NMOSD centers from Argentina. Demographical and clinical (manifestation and disability) data and neuroradiological features (new/enlarging or contrast-enhancing lesions) were assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 years. Serum samples were obtained during the first relapse without a previous acute or chronic treatment, at 1 and 2 years. Mixed-effects model was used to identify independent associations between the log-transformed NLR or PLR and MS/NMOSD outcomes. PLR is increased in NMOSD when compared to MS (229.4 ± 86.74 vs. 186.6 ± 70.17, P = 0.01), but no significant differences were found for NLR (3.51 ± 1.29 vs. 3.30 ± 1.17, P = 0.43). PLR was the only independent predictor of poor physical disability score (EDSS ≥ 4) in NMOSD patients at 2 years (β=0.28, p = 0.02) after applying multivariate mixed-effects regression analysis. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the PLR was the only independent predictor of EDSS ≥ 4 at 2 years (OR 28.8, p = 0.041) in the NMOSD group. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.841. PLR could be potentially useful as additional diagnostic tool in differentiating these two neuroinflammatory conditions at presentation. PLR can predict severity of neurological disability at 2 years in NMOSD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seasonal variation has been reported in autoimmune diseases of the CNS, like MS. • We aimed to analyze the seasonality of NMOSD and MS attacks in Argentina. • Lack of seasonal variation in MS and NMOSD attacks was observed when evaluated separately. Identification of triggers that potentially instigate attacks in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) has remained challenging. We aimed to analyze the seasonality of NMOSD and MS attacks in an Argentinean cohort seeking differences between the two disorders. A retrospective study was conducted in a cohort of NMOSD and MS patients followed in specialized centers from Argentina and enrolled in RelevarEM, a nationwide, longitudinal, observational, non-mandatory registry of MS/NMOSD patients. Patients with complete relapse data (date, month and year) at onset and during follow-up were included. Attack counts were analyzed by month using a Poisson regression model with the median monthly attack count used as reference. A total of 551 patients (431 MS and 120 NMOSD), experiencing 236 NMOSD-related attacks and 558 MS-related attacks were enrolled. The mean age at disease onset in NMOSD was 39.5 ± 5.8 vs. 31.2 ± 9.6 years in MS (p < 0.01). Mean follow-up time was 6.1 ± 3.0 vs. 7.4 ± 2.4 years (p < 0.01), respectively. Most of the included patients were female in both groups (79% vs. 60%, p < 0.01). We found a peak of number of attacks in June (NMOSD: 28 attacks (11.8%) vs MS: 33 attacks (5.9%), incidence rate ratio 1.82, 95%CI 1.15–2.12, p = 0.03), but no differences were found across the months in both disorders when evaluated separately. Strikingly, we observed a significant difference in the incidence rate ratio of attacks during the winter season when comparing NMOSD vs. MS (NMOSD: 75 attacks (31.7%) vs MS: 96 attacks (17.2%), incidence rate ratio 1.82, 95%CI 1.21–2.01, p = 0.02) after applying Poisson regression model. Similar results were observed when comparing the seropositive NMOSD (n = 75) subgroup vs. MS. Lack of seasonal variation in MS and NMOSD attacks was observed when evaluated separately. Future epidemiological studies about the effect of different environmental factors on MS and NMOSD attacks should be evaluated prospectively in Latin America population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare IVF outcome in single versus two blastocyst transfer in good-prognosis patients. Design: Retrospective data analysis. Setting: University-based IVF practice. Patient(s): Assisted reproductive technology outcome was compared in 41 patients who underwent elective single blastocyst transfer and 66 patients who underwent two blastocyst transfer. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, cumulative pregnancy rates, twin pregnancy rates. Result(s): Blastocyst cycles between January 2003 and August 2004 (n = 238) were reviewed. Criteria for elective single embryo transfer established by our clinic were applied retrospectively to blastocyst cycles. Patients who met the criteria were divided into two groups, those who underwent elective single embryo transfer (eSET) and those who underwent two embryo transfer (2ET). Patient and cycle characteristics were similar for both groups. There were no differences in implantation rate (76% vs. 66%) or pregnancy rate (76% vs. 79%) between the eSET and 2ET groups. There was a significant difference in the number of twin pregnancies (3.2% vs. 62%) in the eSET versus 2ET group. Cumulative pregnancy rates were found to be 83% for both groups. Conclusion(s): Single blastocyst transfer can be performed in good-prognosis patients without compromising pregnancy rates. Twin pregnancy rates can be significantly reduced with eSET. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Cannabis use is frequent in PwMS from Argentina. • Cannabis was used within the past year (current user) by 34.2%. • Daily cannabis use was reported in 31.3% and 41.9% started their use after MS diagnosis. • 54.3% of PwMS had never discussed about cannabis use with their neurologist. • Younger age, chronic pain and current alcohol intake were predictors of current cannabis use. The use of cannabis to treat some symptoms of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), has increased worldwide. We aimed to assess the use of cannabis in patients with MS (PwMS) from Argentina, its reasons and patients' perceptions on the management of MS symptoms. Additionally, we assessed their association with socio-demographic and clinical aspects. A cross-sectional online survey that included 281 PwMS from Argentina was conducted. Screening instruments: Demographics and clinical data, health-related QoL (MS Impact Scale-29), Fatigue Severity Scale, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, sleep disorders, physical disability (self-administrated Expanded Disability Status Scale) and medical or recreational cannabis use were evaluated. A logistic regression model was carried out. Current users (cannabis was used within the past year) was reported in 34.2% and former users (had tried cannabis but not used it within the past year) in 22.7%. Daily cannabis use was reported in 31.3% (current + former users) of the studied cohort, 41.9% started their use after MS diagnosis and 54.3% of them had never discussed about cannabis use with their neurologist. Recreational use was reported in 47.5%. Younger (age below 30 years) PwMS (OR = 2.39, p = 0.03), presence of chronic pain (OR = 2.42, p = 0.002) and current alcohol intake (OR = 3.33, p = 0.001) were predictors of current cannabis use in our multivariate model. A high prevalence of use of cannabis in PwMS from Argentina was observed. Demographic, symptoms and lifestyle factors predict cannabis use. Identifying the presence and severity of these conditions would contribute to a better MS management and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acute optic nerve lesions (P-MRI) were observed frequently using conventional brain MRI • Brain MRI showed unilateral (54.4%) and bilateral (46.6%) lesions • All chiasmatic lesions were associated with unilateral or bilateral lesions. • Typical MRI lesions occurred frequently in the P-MRI subgroup • Poor visual outcome was not independently associated with P-MRI Few studies regarding MRI-defined acute optic nerve lesions (aONL) in patients with first-ever neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)-related optic neuritis (ON) have been reported worldwide and none of them was conducted in Latin America (LATAM). Therefore, we aimed to assess the frequency of aONL at disease onset using conventional brain MRI in LATAM. We reviewed the medical records and brain MRIs (≤30 days from ON onset) of patients with ON as first lifetime NMOSD attack. Patients from Argentina (n=48), Ecuador (n=24), Brazil (n=22), Venezuela (n=10) and Mexico (n=8) were included, and further divided into two subgroups according to either presence (P-MRI) or absence (A-MRI) of aONL (T2 hyperintensity and/or contrast enhancement). Clinical, paraclinical, imaging and prognostic data were compared. A total of 112 patients were included and aONL were found in 86 (76.7%) at disease onset. Aquaporin-4 antibodies were detected in 69.6%. Non-Caucasian patients comprised 59.8% of the total cohort. In P-MRI, conventional brain MRI showed isolated or combined unilateral (54.4%, [8.5% of these aONL were associated with chiasmatic lesions]) and bilateral (46.6%, [35.9% of these aONL were associated with chiasmatic lesions]) lesions. Thus, 100% of chiasmatic lesions were associated with unilateral or bilateral lesions. No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, ethnicity, clinical course, mean follow-up time, disability, and spinal cord MRI findings. However, rituximab use was higher in P-MRI than in A-MRI (p=0.006). More than three quarters of LATAM patients with first-ever NMOSD-related ON have aONL detected by brain MRI. Unilateral lesions were the most common finding. Further studies including different ethnicities are needed to assess the generalizability of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial amount of subducted basaltic crusts may exist in the lower mantle. It features distinct chemical composition from the peridotitic mantle and plays important roles in the chemical and dynamic evolution of Earth's interior. However, the chemical composition of mineral phases present in basaltic crust in the lower mantle is still poorly constrained. Here, we determined phase relations of normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) up to 52 GPa at 2000 K by multi-anvil press. Throughout our experiments, the mineral assemblages consist of five phases including bridgmanite, stishovite, calcium perovskite (davemaoite), calcium ferrite and new hexagonal aluminous phases. The density of MORB calculated from our phase assemblages and previously published thermoelastic data is 2-3% higher than that of the average mantle, which is consistent with literature. The new hexagonal aluminous phase is a host of potassium but only occupies 1-2 vol.% due to limited abundance of potassium in normal MORB. This indicates that the new hexagonal aluminous phase doesn't affect the elastic properties of basalt. Electron energy-loss spectra of recovered basaltic Al-rich bridgmanite show significant enrichment of ferrous iron (75-85%) compared with peridotitic Al-poor bridgmanite (∼30%), which is against previous studies showing that ferric iron ratio in bridgmanite increases with Al content. Ferric iron exhibits strong partitioning into the new hexagonal aluminous phase (41-64%), whereas bridgmanite (14-28%) and calcium ferrite phase (5-27%) remain Fe2+-enriched. The oxygen vacancy component of MgAlO 2.5 in bridgmanite is ∼11% up to 40 GPa, which is much higher than that in peridotitic bridgmanite (2-3%), possibly producing a viscosity contrast in the mid-mantle that would explain slab stagnation and plume thinning between 660 km and 1000 km depth. The presence of ferrous iron-rich bridgmanite in the deep lower mantle may contribute to seismic features of large low-shear-velocity provinces. • High pressure-temperature phase relations of MORB were determined up to 52 GPa. • Basaltic bridgmanite has a distinctly low Fe3+/ΣFe of less than 28%. • Basaltic bridgmanite contains much larger MgAlO 2.5 than peridotitic one below 40 GPa. • MORB has higher density than the average mantle in the lower mantle. • Seismological observations around 1000 km depth may be explained by presence of MORB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the chemopreventive and cardioprotective activity of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant stilbene, on K562 cells. Effect of resveratrol on K562 cell proliferation; Effect of resveratrol on the expression of Egr1 gene; Effect of resveratrol on transduction pathways.

The present work deals with the provenance of lower-middle Jurassic successions belonging to the External Prerif Foreland basin, which remains till now misunderstood and requires a deep investigation dealing with sedimentary petrology and Zircon geochronology. Detrital modal signatures, mudrocks geochemistry combined with Zircon geochronology of lower middle Jurassic pre-orogenic successions of the External Prerif basin have been used to detect provenance relationships with potential Precambrian and Variscan orogenic belts of the Anti-Atlas, Western Meseta, and the exotic "Sehoul Block". The analyzed sandstone suites, mudrocks, and marls have been collected from Jebel Outita, Jebel Zerhoune, and Dhar N'sour sections which were accumulated in different depositional paleoenvironments evolving down-slope from proximal delta to bathyal and deep-sea basin. These early-middle Jurassic deposits belonged to the NW-Gondwana hyper-extended margin during the earliest rifting-drifting stages of the western Tethyan Ocean edge. The analyzed terrigenous sandstone suites are siliciclastic hybrids characterized by lithic arkoses, feldspathic litharenites, and litharenites framework composition. Detrital sandstone modes reflect provenance from a continental block and recycled orogens with 90% of confidence. These results were corroborated by various provenance ratios (Th/Sc, Th/Co, Th/Cr, Cr/Th, and La/Sc) which indicate felsic source rocks close to the Post Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) and Upper Continental Crust (UCC) values, with probably minor mafic supply. Indeed, the provenance inferred from detrital Zircon geochronology points to different high-grade metamorphic, plutonic basements and overlying sedimentary source rocks aged from Paleoproterozoic to middle-Late Devonian, related to basement source rocks of the exotic "Sehoul Block", the Western Meseta, and the Central and Occidental Anti Atlas belts. • This work concerns the study of samples from the lower-middle Jurassic of the Prerif basin. • Petrography, geochemistry, and the U–Pb Zircon geochronology of samples were combined. • Constrain the provenance and the potential source of the lower-middle Jurassic successions. • Late Paleoproterozoic, late Neoproterozoic and Variscan are the main age clusters recorded. • The Sehoul Block, Western Meseta, and the Anti-Atlas were the main sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-marine clastic turbidite beds commonly occur in the Southern Apennines and record the main tectonic phases associated with the structural evolution of the area. Based on variations of detrital compositions through time, the sandstone suites are traditionally subdivided into four petrofacies: (I) quartzolithic (Burdigalian-Langhian), (II) quartzofeldspatholithic (Langhian-Tortonian), (III) quartzofeldspathic (Serravallian-Tortonian), and (IV) arkose (Tortonian-Messinian) sandstones. Since the complexity and diversity of these sandstone petrofacies, we aim to investigate their major diagenetic events and relate them with their detrital modes and physical properties in order to obtain key basic information at a regional scale, to better understand the main controls on petrophysical properties in this and in similar contexts. The petrophysical analysis reveals that the quartzolithic sandstones have the lowest porosity values, with a median of 4.56%. In contrast, porosity increases to median values of 16.75% in the quartzofeldspathic and arkosic petrofacies. The median permeability values range between 4.85 and 236.38 mD, and its distribution is generally poorly correlated with any other petrophysical parameter. The most widespread diagenetic minerals observed are carbonates, clay minerals, Fe-oxides and hydroxides, and less quartz. These sandstones are characterized by high compaction, which is the primary factor controlling porosity loss since the early diagenetic phases. In contrast, the early precipitation of pore-filling carbonate cement is assumed to have partly reduced the effect of compaction in quartzolithic and arkosic sandstones. Nonetheless, variations in petrophysical features among petrofacies can be traced back to the detrital composition, with the highest but less effective porosity associated with the presence of ductile grains, siliciclastic matrix and feldspars. Accordingly, this study reveals how linking detrital modes to the key petrophysical parameters may help obtain significant information about the regional control on the evolution of porosity and permeability in clastic turbiditic wedges of foreland domain settings as a baseline useful to further local and detailed studies. • The study focuses on Southern Apennines Miocene turbidites, investigating their diagenetic and petrophysical properties. • Mechanical compaction has the primary role in reducing the original porosity during burial. • The abundance of ductile grains and detrital matrix may critically influence porosity and permeability. • Authigenic carbonates, phyllosilicates and quartz are the main products of the cementation. • Petrographic and petrophysical data integration provides insights serving as foundation for future studies on turbidites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenozoic sedimentary cover from the Ghomaride Complex (Internal Rif Belt) has been studied in the Tetuan area (N Morocco) where a suite of sedimentary successions from shallow-marine to deep-marine environments crops out. For that purpose stratigraphic relations and petrological and geochemical signatures have been analyzed. Sandstone suites of the overall succession are heterogeneous and testify a multi-source area, in response of accretionary processes of the Ghomaride-Maláguide units and the exhumation of the lower units of the Internal Rif Zone (e.g. Sebtide-Alpujárride Complex). Pre-orogenic and Syn-orogenic (according to the eoalpine phase) deposits have been identified consisting in two depositional sequences: lower Paleocene and Cuisian-Bartonian, and upper Oligocene-upper Aquitanian and lower Burdigalian, respectively. Pre-orogenic deposits are mainly intra-arenite and hybrid arenites made of a minor amount of siliciclastic detritus but with abundance of intrabasinal carbonate grains. The syn-orogenic sandstone suites are quartzolithic, having abundance of low-grade metamorphic and sedimentary lithic fragments. Sedimentary lithic fragments are derived from the Mesozoic successions of the Ghomaride-Maláguide Complex while metamorphic detritus is related to an unknow Internal Rif Zone basement that was exhumed starting from the late Oligocene and mainly early Miocene. Modal analyses of sandstone suites for the extrabasinal grains mainly indicate lower rank metamorphic and sedimentary source terranes of a recycled orogen. Major and trace elements coupled to the mineralogical composition of the mudrock samples indicate a provenance from felsic source area(s) with a minor but not negligible contribution from mafic rocks mainly in the syn-orogenic suites. Geochemical analyses (Al–Ti–Zr ternary plot) indicate minor reworking and recycling processes before the final deposition through prolonged processes of sedimentary transportation. The trends evident in both CIA and CIA' diagrams indicate source areas characterized by moderate weathering in non-steady-state conditions with a weak change of weathering condition from the pre-orogenic to the syn-orogenic cycle. Deposition during the Paleocene and Eocene, took place in the southern continental margin of the Ghomaride-Malaguide domain as a carbonate ramp. Contrarily, sedimentation in the late Oligocene-late Aquitanian took place in wedge-top basins within the Ghomaride-Malaguide domain. These changes occurred during the Burdigalian, when back arc basins were developed in the Internal Betic-Rif Zone. The Cenozoic reconstructed record was contemporaneous of the structuring of the Circum-Mediterranean chains and the Ghomaride-Maláguide Complex played a key role in the geodynamic evolution of the Rif Cordillera, representing a key tectonic element of the western Mesomediterranean domains. • This work concerns the study of samples from the Ghomaride Complex. • Sedimentology, petrography, chemistry and mineralogy of samples were compared. • These analyses allow to define the sedimentary evolution of the successions. • This work gives new information for the geodynamics of the Internal Rif Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrography and geochemistry of sandstone for the lower Oligocene volcanic-related sandstones of Abbasabad-Kahak area, NE Iran, are detected to decipher provenance, tectonic setting and paleo-weathering of source areas. Lower Oligocene sandstones are grey in colour and host copper mineralization as bedded and lenticular, vein-veinlets and disseminated textures and structures. Texturally, sandstones are medium to coarse grained, moderately to poorly sorted and compositionally have abundance of volcanic lithic fragments. Sandstones are lithofeldspathic to feldspatholithic, leading to a provenance from the progressive dismantling of a magmatic arc. Geochemical signatures suggest a derivation from mafic-to-intermediate volcanic sources. CIA values (56–61 with the average of 57) indicate a low level of chemical weathering in source areas, which may reflect arid to semi-arid climatic conditions in source terrains. These sandstones, deposited in a remnant backarc basin, are the results of the post-Eocene extensional stage of a dismantling magmatic arc. • Petrological and geochemical characterization of Abbasabad-Kahak area, Iran. • Geochemical signatures of provenance relations. • Mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks as main source rocks. • Oligocene arc-related active volcanism in a subduction complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An altered apoptotic response represents a pivotal feature of cancer and is involved in cancerogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. So far, however, only a few studies have been devoted to survey caspase content in malignant cell lines and primary tumor specimens. In this report, we investigated the expression of two pivotal caspases, 3 and 8, in 63 neuroblastoma specimens by three complementary techniques (i.e., reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry). We confirmed the frequent absence of caspase 8 expression. Moreover and most important, we demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, that a significant percentage of neuroblastomas lack caspase 3 mRNA and protein. Both caspase alterations do not show any correlation with tumor stage and MYCN status. Immunohistochemistry showed a large number of caspase-negative cell islets also present in positive samples. Our findings suggest that the absence of caspases might play an important role in neuroblastoma development and resistance to apoptosis-based treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]