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Simple Summary: Invasive alien species are a global threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services (e.g., tourism and fisheries) and human health. Pufferfishes are notorious for their toxicity and may also display aggressive behavior, thus posing a threat to human health. In this work, we collected records of attacks, poisonings and fatalities, due to Lagocephalus sceleratus and Torquigener hypselogeneion, in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, for the years 2004–2023. These records were retrieved from social media, and the grey and scientific literature, as well as from personal observations. Overall, 198 events impacting human health were documented: 28 records of physical attacks, at least 143 non-lethal poisoning episodes, and 27 human fatalities resulting from consumption. The number of recorded incidents greatly increased after 2019, especially with regards to poisonings, yet whether related to greater media attention, or to increased abundance is unclear. This is a baseline work for future monitoring and raising awareness. Thus, we urge the continuation of national campaigns to caution residents and tourists of these species' high toxicities and potential aggressiveness. The silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin 1789), and to a lesser degree the orange spotted toadfish Torquigener hypselogeneion (Bleeker, 1852), pose threats to human health from physical attacks and poisonings in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study reviewed human health-related impacts resulting from these pufferfish, compiling and assessing records from online sources, the peer-reviewed literature, medical records, personal interviews, and observations across the Eastern Mediterranean in the years 2004 to 2023. A total of 198 events impacting human health were documented: 28 records of physical attacks, at least 144 non-lethal poisoning episodes, and 27 human fatalities resulting from consumption. The majority of the reported incidences occurred in Syria, Türkiye, and Lebanon. Most physical attacks occurred in summer, while most poisoning events occurred during winter. The number of recorded incidents greatly increased after 2019, especially with regard to poisonings, yet whether this is related to greater media attention, or to increased fish abundance is unclear. This is the first comprehensive study to collate findings on attacks, poisonings and fatalities caused by these pufferfish in the Mediterranean Sea, and may help in improving national health policies. We urge the continuation of national campaigns to caution residents and tourists of these species' high toxicities and potential aggressiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Syrian conflict nine years of destruction have had catastrophic influence on the built environment. Post-war Residential Re-construction Projects (PRRP) have been one of the most challenging and controversial responsibilities. PRRP play vital role in building back to better level of sustainability, mitigating risks and resilience, providing housing for traumatised displaced people while coping with the war consequences. Hitherto, more sustainable PRRP are found to be riskier for construction professionals compared to traditional projects. Sustainability Risk Management (SRM) can be a challenging mission where multiple interrelated criteria exist. This research is set to identify and assess sustainability risks associated with more sustainable PRRP in Damascus and to understand how the Syrian construction professionals perceive these risks. The research study enhances a survey and interviews' findings to develop a multi-criteria SRM framework that can be perceived as a decision-support tool to assess sustainability risks in Damascus PRRP. The survey revealed that while the sustainability risk categories weightings are 38%, 24%, 39% for economic, environmental and social risks respectively, the overall response categories weightings are 44%, 31%, 25% for economic, environmental and social responses respectively. The top five risks found are: expenses exceed anticipated, absence of sustainable technology, delays in planning for alternative social homes, unclear allocation of responsibilities and lack of qualified professionals. The interviews looked beyond the current prevailing approaches to sustainability risks while assessing the proposed multi-dimensional conceptual framework. The research framework enhances interrelatedness in management principles among: sustainability assessment, RM and multi criteria decision making in the post-war context. These findings are significant as this is the first-hand experience gathered from Damascus PRRP. It symbolises a turning point in Syrian construction; from traditional to sustainable housing, which will positively influence construction companies' sustainability awareness in reconstruction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations conducted off the coast of Syria (eastern Mediterranean Sea) allowed capturing on 6 November 2022 of a specimen of Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone Rafinesque, 1810, constituting the first record of the species in the area. The studied specimen measured 1100 mm in total length (TL), its total body weight was 2015 g. It is described in the present paper including morphometric measurements and meristic counts. Its distribution in the Syrian marine waters and in the Mediterranean Sea is discussed and commented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-war Residential Re-construction Projects (PRRP) are widely complex and have significant risks. It is necessary to address sustainability risks in PRRP in order to respond to the war disastrous consequences. Thus, reducing sustainability risks associated with PRRP Life Cycle (LC) phases is of absolute importance for each stakeholder to achieve sustainability within PRRP process and performance. How to effectively get different participants to manage risks in the context of PRRP LC is decisive to the project sustainability objectives. This study aims to identify how sustainability risk factors change during PRRP LC phases and how LC Sustainability Risk Management (LCSRM) is perceived by PRRP primary stakeholders. Data were collected through survey and interviews with different stakeholder groups in Damascus PRRP. The findings revealed the top five risks of: 'Poor constructability' (with a score of 0.44 at the construction phase), 'Delays due to poor contract management' (with a score of 0.44 at the pre-construction phase), 'Lack of availability of green materials and equipment' (with a score of 0.43 at the construction phase), 'Pollution' (with a score of 0.4 at the construction phase) and 'Being fined for failing to meet the project objectives' (with a score of 0.36 at the construction phase). The majority of risk responses were found to be more effective in the planning, design, pre-construction and construction stages. LCSRM is presented in a participatory manner involving key stakeholders. Practical recommendations for developer, consultants, designers, contractors, project managers and regulators were presented. The study's LCSRM approach offers stakeholders a novel approach to customize their own list of sustainability risks. The main benefit of LCSRM is in shifting construction management control from input oriented to a more output oriented one in order to respond to unforeseen risks encompassing PRRP performance, which often deviated PRRP sustainability objectives from reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 29 May 2022, two specimens of Baillon's wrasse, Symphodus bailloni (Valenciennes, 1839) were captured from the coast of Syria (eastern Mediterranean Sea). Sampled two specimens of S. bailloni were measured at 117 and120 mm in TL and weighed 25.7 and 23.2 g. These findings is the first records of this species in the Levant Basin, and the easternmost extension range of the species in the Mediterranean Sea. Symphodus bailloni is not a herculean or Lessepsian migrant but should be considered as a permanent resident of the Mediterranean basin despite the fact not largely distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Syria, the war's devastating destruction to the built environment, especially to the housing and energy sectors, has mounted the demand for energy-efficient social housing. Hence, the implementation of the housing energy efficiency law, endorsed by the Syrian government (Law No. 18, 2009), has had tremendous barriers. The law has not adopted an energy efficiency strategy and plans that comprise; financial provision, assessment framework, fiscal inducements, market initiatives and international collaboration. The present research attempts to assess the improvement potential in the operational energy performance of typical mid-rise residential buildings in Damascus through the implementation of energy conservation housing law and analysis of the key influencing variables. The research evaluates a pilot energy-efficient complying building compared to typical conventional one, in terms of thermal performance, operational energy efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions, and total energy-cost trade-off. The framework, developed by this study, tackles the implementation barriers and divides responsibilities among the involved parties along with the financial and managerial requirements. This is essential, in the light of the Government's self-efforts for reconstruction. The framework enables designers and decision-makers to start thinking from the occupancy stage backwards to benefit the early design stage where irretrievable decisions are being made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chylomicron retention disease (Anderson disease) is a result for variant of the SAR1B gene. It is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disorder with most incidence in infant. It is characterized by lipid malabsorption syndrome with fatty, chronic diarrhea, and growth retardation. Case presentation: We report a case of a 19-month Syrian boy who presented with vomiting, growth failure, and chronic, fatty diarrhea. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed whitish appearing duodenal mucosa and small intestinal biopsies revealed steatosis of enterocytes. Genetic testing confirmed chylomicron retention disease with the first description of variant located in the fourth helix of sar1b protein. The patient is treated with nutritional supplements and fat-soluble vitamin supplementation resulting in significant improvement. Conclusion: Early endoscopy is recommended in infants with persistent vomiting and failure to thrive due to high suspicion for a disorder of hypocholesterolemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid serious clinical complications, especially neurological impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 28 July 2020, a specimen of sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus, 1758 was captured north of Jable, from the Syrian coast. The specimen is described with morphometric measurements, while the species occurrence in the area and the Mediterranean Sea is discussed and commented. This new finding constitutes the first record of the species for the Syrian coast, and also its easternmost extension range in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, sea lamprey remains an occasional visitor in the Syrian waters and, consequently, the local occurrence of a viable population remains doubtful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary urinary bladder amyloidosis is a rare disorder of protein metabolism characterized by the extracellular deposition of fibrillin. To date, fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. We herein present a case of 59-year-old female with primary multifocal recurrent urinary bladder amyloidosis. The patient was treated with a new method (laser therapy) mentioned for the first time in the literature. After 18 months of treatment, the patient has no complaints. Our case illustrates a new procedure in the treatment of primary multifocal bladder amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis (DPR) is a rare disorder with characteristic triad of generalized reticulate hyperpigmentation, noncicatricial alopecia and onychodystrophy. We report the first case from Syria with classical features of the triad along with hyperhidrosis and adermatoglyphia. Based on previous studies this case is distinguished by the location of alopecia on the beard which is not reported before and distinctive histopathological features were found on the biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an emerging uncontrolled tropical parasitic disease in endemic and nonendemic areas with a high prevalence in the pediatric age group. Method: A total of 382 individuals from Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Syria diagnosed with CL by punch biopsy/scrapings were grouped into adults (>18 years) and pediatrics (≤18 years). Data recorded included clinical features [number, location, type, size, and extensiveness (size larger than 3 cm, more than 5 lesions per patient, lesion present for more than 12 months, special types, disfiguring lesion or closeness to vital sensory organs) of lesions] and microscopic findings [Ridley's Parasitic Index and Ridley's Pattern]. In addition, molecular confirmation and speciation were performed. Results: In comparison with adults, patients in the pediatric group (n = 158, 41.4%) showed significantly higher number of lesions, more facial involvement, and more extensive disease (P <.05). Microscopically, a more advanced Ridley's pattern was observed. The other variables did not show statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Historically, CL has been known to be a neglected tropical disease of poverty and pediatric predilection. In our pediatric group, CL manifests with more extensive disease clinically mirrored by more advanced lesions microscopically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present the first record of Pagellus bogaraveo (Brünnich, 1768) from Syria marine waters. One specimen was caught by trawl nets at about 300 m depth in Rass Albassit, north of Lattakia, on 25 February 2019, and 6 additional specimens were caught by gill nets at a depth of 120 m off Jablah coast on 7 April 2019. This record represents the first sighting of this immigrant Atlantic species introduced in the Eastern Mediterranean (Levantine Basin). These specimens were found mixing in the same net haul with populations other Sparidae species such as: Pagellus acarne and Dentex macrophthalmus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. Dipturus oxyrinchus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a common skate in Syrian elasmobranch fishery. This species is listed as an Endangered cartilaginous species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Although heavily exploited, until now, no study has been performed on this skate along the Syrian coast in the Levantine basin. This study focuses on the determination of the reproductive period, size at maturity and fecundity of D. oxyrhinchus. Materials and methods. Total length and total weight were determined for 249 specimens of the longnosed skate, captured off Syrian coast. Skates collected were measured and weighed according to standard procedures. Based on the acquired measurements the following relations were determined: disc width-total weight (DW-TW), total weight-total length (TW-TL), total weight-disc width (TW-DW), and total length-disc width (TL-DW). Median size (TL50) at maturity was estimated according to commonly accepted methods. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were calculated for males and females. The proportion of the occurrence of developmental stages were noted seasonally. Ovarian fecundity was calculated based on ripe follicles in both ovaries of mature females. Fecundity, expressed as annual egg production per female. Tests for significance (P < 0.05) were performed by using ANOVA, Student t-test, and the chi-square test. In the relations TW-TL and TW-DW, comparisons of curves were carried out by using ANCOVA. Results. The observed sex ratio was 58.2% ÷ 40.2% (female ÷ male). Mean body measurements of females (n = 14) were slightly higher than males (n = 8). The total length of females ranged from 34.1 to 100.0 cm and males from 34.5 to 81.6 cm. The total length-total weight, disc width-total weight, and total length-disc width relations were TW = 0.0009TL3.35 and TW = 0.0033DW3.34and DW = 0.6894TL + 0.281, respectively, for all sexes combined. Median size (TL50) at maturity were estimated as TL50 = 79.5 cm for females (n = 149) and TL50 = 70.9 cm for males (n = 100). This species had a continuous reproductive cycle. Fecundity was estimated between 50 and 100 egg cases per year. Conclusion. Information on the reproduction of D. oxyrinchus may allow the decision makers to set appropriate catch limits based on biological reference points, and serves as a baseline in the event of increasing exploitation rates. Especially, this information showed that a possible nursery area maybe established in the Syrian marine waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specimen of sharpnosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus (Linnaeus, 1758) presenting snout and tail abnormalities was captured off the Syrian coast. It is an adult female with a shortened and rounded snout, lack of second dorsal fin and a reduced and rounded caudal fin. This abnormal specimen is described in the present note, and it appears that both snout and tail abnormalities did not affect their development and they reached similar parameters and swimming activities than the normal ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Captures of Gymnura altavela from the Syrian marine waters allowed to improve knowledge of size at first sexuality of males and females, reproductive period and fecundity. Materials and methods. In all, 114 specimens were measured for disk width (DW) and weighed. Sexual maturity was determined in males from the length of claspers and aspects of the reproductive tract, and in females from the condition of ovaries and the morphology of the reproductive tract. Hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI) were calculated in males and females, and their variations related to size were considered in all categories of specimens. To investigate the embryonic development and the role of the mother during gestation, a chemical balance of development (CBD) was determined, based on the mean dry mass of fertilized eggs and fully developed oocytes. Test of normality was performed by using Shapiro-Wilk's test, with P < 0.05. Tests for significance (P < 0.05) were performed by using ANOVA, Student t-test and the chi-square test. The linear regression was expressed in decimal logarithmic coordinates. In the relation mass versus total length and liver mass versus total length, comparisons of curves were carried out by using ANCOVA. Results. Females significantly outnumbered males throughout the year. Size at sexual maturity occurred for males at 771 mm DW and for females at 961 mm DW, and maximum size reached 893 mm DW and 1342 mm DW for males and females, respectively. Size at birth ranged between 281 and 367 mm DW. Relations size (DW) versus total body mass (MT) did not show significant differences between males and females, relations size (DW) versus liver mass (ML) were significantly different between males and females suggesting that liver plays a more important role in life cycle of the latter. HSI increased with size of specimens especially in females. Similar patterns were observed for GSI in males and females. Females with active vitellogenesis were found throughout the year, and females carrying developing embryos in spring and in autumn, suggesting two gestation periods each year. CBD reached 22.3 and showed that G. altavela is a matrotrophic species. Ovarian fecundity was significantly higher than uterine fecundity, and litter size ranged between 1 and 4. Conclusion. The reproductive biology of G. altavela from the Syrian coast showed that a sustainable population is established in the area. The species develops -selected biological characteristics as specimens from different marine areas and other elasmobranch species, it explained why it is endangered in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report in this paper the first record of basking shark, Cetorhinus maximus (Gunnerus, 1765), off the coast of Syria (eastern Mediterranean). The specimen was an adult female, 690 cm total length and weighing approximately 2.5 t. It was a pregnant female at the beginning of gestation and contained 34 egg cases. The first description of C. maximus egg case is provided with short comments on the reproductive biology of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2004 an intensive survey of Latakia and other Syrian beaches was undertaken to improve and update knowledge of Syria's marine turtle nesting populations. The survey confirmed that loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta nest in Syria (eight nests recorded), distributed diffusely along the coast, but also identified hitherto undescribed green turtle Chelonia mydas nesting aggregations. The most important green turtle nesting site was the 12 km of beach south-east of Latakia that ranks in the Mediterranean's top 10 rookeries for this species (in terms of maximum number of nests), with 104 of the 106 nests recorded in this study. Mean clutch size of green turtles (108±SD 25.1, range 72-164, n = 29) was comparable with other Mediterranean rookeries, and hatching success (percentage of eggs that produced hatchlings) of successful nests was 83.5%. The main problems facing the turtles and their nests were found to be deliberate killing of adults, nest predation and hatchling disorientation. We recommend initiation of annual monitoring and nest protection at the main green turtle nesting beach and investigations of possible at-sea turtle populations together with a campaign to raise awareness and acceptance amongst stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine species of marine decapod Crustacea, specimens of which are deposited in the collections of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, are reported for the first time from the Lattakia area in Syria. The number of Decapoda currently known from this part of the Syrian coast is 88, of which 15 are Lessepsian migrants. Among the latter, four are reported for the first time from Syria: Alpheus lobidens De Haan, 1849, Ixa monodi Holthuis & Gottlieb, 1956, Micippa thalia (Herbst, 1803), and Thalamita poissonii (Audouin, 1826). The main sites for prospection are, from north to south: Al Hamam Island, Al Bdroussieh, Al Manarah, Om Tior, Bourj Islam, Ash Shamieh, Ibn Hani (Bourj Al Kassab), Alsahta'e Alazrak, Afamia, and the port of Lattakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current status of the freshwater fishes of Syria is revised, and an updated checklist is presented. The confirmed freshwater fishes of Syria comprise 108 species belonging to 15 orders, 25 families, and 51 genera. Among these, 11 species (10.2%) are alien, and six species (5.6%) are considered endemic to Syria. The orders with the largest numbers of species in the ichthyofauna of Syria are Cypriniformes (68 species), followed by Siluriformes and (nine species), Cichliformes (eight species), Mugiliformes (seven species), Cyprinodontiformes (six species), and others represent one species in each. At the family level, Cyprinidae has the greatest number of species (30 species; 27.8% of the total species), followed by Leuciscidae (21 species), Nemacheilidae (11 species), Cichlidae (eight species), and Mugilidae (seven species). According to IUCN Red List criteria, among 97 naturally distributed species (alien species not included), Tristramella sacra extinct (EX) and 24 species (26.5%) are categorized as threatened extinctions, CR, EN, and VU (eight species in each). A total of 17 species previously reported from Syria have been excluded from the checklist, either in the present study or in previous studies.