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This article addresses the issue of atmospheric pollution caused by solid particles in urban environments. The presence of PM10 and PM2,5 particles in the air of major cities and industrial areas worldwide has been examined. An evaluation of atmospheric pollution levels with PM10 and PM2,5 particles in Kostopil, considering current air quality standards in Ukraine and the European Union, has been conducted. The authors employed the gravimetric method to measure the levels of suspended dust particles (PM10 and PM2,5) in Kostopil from autumn 2022 to winter 2023. The study revealed an excessive amount of fine dust particles in the city's air, exceeding the maximum permissible values outlined in regulatory laws by 2.1-2.7 times. Furthermore, the monitoring of changes in suspended dust particle levels showed peak values of PM10 = 1.15 mg/m³ in January and PM2,5 = 0.96 mg/m³ in December. The results of the statistical analysis of particle level distribution in Kostopil's urban areas indicated the statistical significance of certain distribution parameters, specifically SW-W and D for PM10 and PM2,5 particle classes.

This paper makes a theoretical contribution by exploring the integration of sustainability principles into project management. It compares two recent methodologies, PM2 and PRiSMTM, and provides a practical contribution by advocating for the adoption of these sustainability-driven practices among practitioners. Sustainability remains relatively unknown in the realm of project management, and this study aims to bridge that gap. This study follows an interpretivist philosophy and employs a combination of interviews and archival data analysis. PM2, created by the European Commission, provides a project management methodology free to organizations and includes best practices from other bodies of knowledge. However, it does not include sustainability because it aims to be generic. PRiSMTM, based on the P5™, aims to make the project management process more sustainable. PRiSMTM has a P5 Impact Analysis and Sustainability Management Plan as its main differentiating deliverables and is an extension of the Triple Bottom Line, also including product and process. The PM2 Alliance CEO believes that PM2 aims to be generic, so a focus on sustainability would remove the methodology's "elasticity". However, users wishing to use PM2 and consider sustainability can include it in the additional objectives and use PRiSMTM to differentiate deliverables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European winter wheat cultivar "Tabasco" was reported to have resistance to powdery mildew disease caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) in China. In previous studies, Tabasco was reported to have the resistance gene designated as Pm48 on the short arm of chromosome 5D when a mapping population was phenotyped with pathogen isolate Bgt19 collected in China and was genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In this study, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips were used to rapidly determine the resistance gene by mapping a new F2 population that was developed from Tabasco and a susceptible cultivar "Ningmaizi119" and inoculated with pathogen isolate NCF-D-1–1 that was collected in the USA. The segregation of resistance in the population was found to link with Pm2 which was identified in Tabasco. Therefore, it was concluded that the previously reported Pm48 on chromosome arm 5DS in Tabasco should be the Pm2 gene on the same chromosome. The Pm2 was also found in European cultivars "Mattis" and "Claire" but not in any of the accessions from diploid wheat Aegilops tauschii or modern cultivars such as "Gallagher," "Smith's Gold," and "OK Corral" being used in the Great Plains in the USA. A KASP marker was developed to track the resistance allele Pm2 in wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Projekt-Management Aktuell is the property of Narr Francke Attempto Verlag GmbH & Co.KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Using the ACMG-AMP guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, it remains difficult to meet the criterion associated with the protein domain, PM1, which is assigned in only about 10% of cases, whereas the criteria related to variant frequency, PM2/BA1/BS1, is reported in 50% of cases. To improve the classification of human missense variants using protein domains information, we developed the DOLPHIN system (https://dolphin.mmg-gbit.eu).Methods: We used Pfam alignments of eukaryotes to define DOLPHIN scores to identify protein domain residues and variants that have a significant impact. In parallel, we enriched gnomAD variants frequencies for each domains’ residue. These were validated using ClinVar data.Results: We applied this method to all potential human transcripts’ variants, resulting in 30.0% being assigned a PM1 label, whereas 33.2% were eligible for a new benign support criterion, BP8. We also showed that DOLPHIN provides an extrapolated frequency for 31.8% of the variants, compared to the original frequency available in gnomAD for 7.6% of them.Discussion: Overall, DOLPHIN allows a simplified use of the PM1 criterion, an expanded application of the PM2/BS1 criteria and the creation of a new BP8 criterion. DOLPHIN could facilitate the classification of amino acid substitutions in protein domains that cover nearly 40% of proteins and represent the sites of most pathogenic variants.

Pollution due to particulate matter can harm human health and the environment. One of the particulate matter sources is the mining industry. Depending on the type of activity (drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, dozing, crushing, screening, etc.), various levels of PM emission occurs in surface mining operations. For this reason, it is important to measure the PM emission values of each ongoing activity, evaluate them by taking into consideration the limit values specified in the relevant legislation and to plan preventive/mitigating measures. When the studies conducted on the subject were examined, it was found out that the equations modeling the PM emission, which may occur according to the type of activity carried out in surface mines, were developed but they varied even for the same activity among different mines. For this reason, it was concluded that PM emission values are specific to the surface mines, that continuous emission measurement will provide more accurate results, and therefore, as the most realistic approach, separate PM emission modeling should be done for each activity carried out in a surface mine.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCM), the most populous cities in Vietnam, have received increasing global attention because of their poor air pollution status. As part of the recent UK-Vietnam 2-Cities project, the concentrations of trace metals in fine particulate matter have been characterized. 24-hour samples of PM2 were collected at 2 sites in Hanoi and 3 sites in HCM during two 4-week periods in September/October 2018 and March 2019. The soluble fraction of 15 trace metal(oid)s (Fe, Al, Mn, Ti, Zn, V, Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, Pb, Th, Cr, As, and Sb) bound to PM2 were analyzed by ICP-MS. The results show that Zn was the most abundant soluble metal in PM2 in both cities, with very large numbers of road vehicles (e.g. tyre wear) likely contributing in both cities and non-ferrous metal production being a substantial additional source in Hanoi. Fe and Al, derived from crustal sources, were the dominant metals after Zn. Most trace metals concentrations in Hanoi were higher than in HCM, especially toxic metals such as Pb, Cd, Cr and As. V and Ni were the only two metals having higher concentrations in HCM than in Hanoi, likely due to shipping emissions (combustion of heavy fuel oil) that strongly affect the air quality in HCM. Coal-power plants and non-ferrous metal production are likely to be the major sources of trace metals in Hanoi. Health risk assessment shows that a high carcinogenic risk exists for inhalation exposure of soluble trace metals bound to PM2 in both cities.

Powdery mildew of wheat, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a devastating disease that seriously reduces yield and quality worldwide. Utilization of plant resistance genes is an attractive and effective strategy for controlling this disease. Among the reported powdery mildew (Pm) resistance genes, Pm2 exhibits a diverse resistance spectrum among its multiple alleles. It has been widely used in China for resistance breeding for powdery mildew. To mine more Pm2 alleles and clarify their distribution, we screened 33 wheat cultivars/breeding lines carrying Pm2 alleles from 641 wheat genotypes using diagnostic and Pm2 -linked markers. To further investigate the relationships within the Pm2 alleles, we compared their resistance spectra, polymorphism of marker alleles and gene sequences, and found that they have identical marker alleles and gene sequences but diverse resistance spectra. In addition, the diagnostic kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker, YTU-KASP-Pm2 , was developed and was shown to detect all the Pm2 alleles in the different genetic backgrounds. These findings provide valuable information for the distribution and rational use of Pm2 alleles, push forward their marker-assisted breeding (MAS), and hence improve the control of wheat powdery mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew of wheat, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a devastating disease that seriously reduces yield and quality worldwide. Utilization of plant resistance genes is an attractive and effective strategy for controlling this disease. Among the reported powdery mildew (Pm) resistance genes, Pm2 exhibits a diverse resistance spectrum among its multiple alleles. It has been widely used in China for resistance breeding for powdery mildew. To mine more Pm2 alleles and clarify their distribution, we screened 33 wheat cultivars/breeding lines carrying Pm2 alleles from 641 wheat genotypes using diagnostic and Pm2-linked markers. To further investigate the relationships within the Pm2 alleles, we compared their resistance spectra, polymorphism of marker alleles and gene sequences, and found that they have identical marker alleles and gene sequences but diverse resistance spectra. In addition, the diagnostic kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker, YTU-KASP-Pm2, was developed and was shown to detect all the Pm2 alleles in the different genetic backgrounds. These findings provide valuable information for the distribution and rational use of Pm2 alleles, push forward their marker-assisted breeding (MAS), and hence improve the control of wheat powdery mildew.

Purpose: We suggest using a project management approach to manage sports events. To this aim, we propose an adaptation of PM², the project management methodology developed inside the European Commission, to manage sports projects. Design/methodology/approach: We perform theoretical analyses arguing why a sport event is a project, about the roles of the event and sport management and a theorethical adaptation of the PM2 methodology to sport management. Findings: We show that events management could benefit from PM² methodology if we introduce several adaptations. The main one implies splitting the original project execution phase into two separate ones: the deployment phase and the execution (strito sensu). The former includes all the activities performed to prepare for the sports competition; the last, to cope with the complexity of the competition particular dates, characterized by simultaneous and mass involvement of participants and spectators in the event. We also propose changes into the original project governance model, for accommodating a market orientation to maximize the economic return of the event and for including the concept of “extended customer” that comprises the owner of the event, the participants and the spectators. Research limitations/implications: Further empirical research is needed to analyze the implementation of this adaptation of PM² . Practical implications: We offer an adaptation of PM² methodology for the event managers that allow them to apply project management standards in their particular events. Our adaptation accommodates the marketing approach and the market orientation commonly used by event managers. Social implications: The redefinition of the role of sports event managers with a project management orientation allows to introduce the cost-benefit analysis in the development of a sport event, making sports events not only successful but also profitable, sustainable and efficient. Originality/value: For the first time, PM² is applied to events, in particular, to sport events. The specific characteristics of PM2 make it interesting in any sector, as sports events, where managers do not have extensive experience using project management standards and methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew induced by Blumeria graminis f. sp. Tritici (Bgt) has a devastating impact on global wheat yield and quality. Host resistance is the most effective and economical means to control this disease. In this study, Heng 4568, an elite wheat cultivar, shows high resistance to 12 Bgt isolates from different regions in China at the seedling stage. Genetic analysis demonstrates that the powdery mildew resistance in Heng 4568 is conferred by a single dominant locus, temporarily designated PmH4568. Furthermore, PmH4568 is mapped to the reported Pm2 interval on chromosome 5DS with five Pm2 linked markers and flanked by the markers Bwm20 and Bwm21 with a genetic distance of 0.3 and 0.6 cM, respectively. To further investigate the relationship between PmH4568 and Pm2 , the diagnostic marker Pm2b-map-3 of Pm2 is used to genotype the F2:3 population derived from the cross Heng 4568 × Daimai 2173. Notably, there is no recombination found, indicating that PmH4568 is also probably a Pm2 allele. In addition, five closely linked markers as well as one diagnostic marker are successfully developed and tested in 16 wheat cultivars from different agro-ecological areas in China, which have potential applications in molecular breeding by marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew induced by Blumeria graminis f. sp. Tritici (Bgt) has a devastating impact on global wheat yield and quality. Host resistance is the most effective and economical means to control this disease. In this study, Heng 4568, an elite wheat cultivar, shows high resistance to 12 Bgt isolates from different regions in China at the seedling stage. Genetic analysis demonstrates that the powdery mildew resistance in Heng 4568 is conferred by a single dominant locus, temporarily designated PmH4568. Furthermore, PmH4568 is mapped to the reported Pm2 interval on chromosome 5DS with five Pm2 linked markers and flanked by the markers Bwm20 and Bwm21 with a genetic distance of 0.3 and 0.6 cM, respectively. To further investigate the relationship between PmH4568 and Pm2, the diagnostic marker Pm2b-map-3 of Pm2 is used to genotype the F2:3 population derived from the cross Heng 4568 × Daimai 2173. Notably, there is no recombination found, indicating that PmH4568 is also probably a Pm2 allele. In addition, five closely linked markers as well as one diagnostic marker are successfully developed and tested in 16 wheat cultivars from different agro-ecological areas in China, which have potential applications in molecular breeding by marker-assisted selection.

Reliability growth models are commonly used in the Department of Defense (DoD) to plan, track, and project reliability during system acquisition and testing. We describe two commonly used classes of reliability growth models for continuous failure time data and the metrics appropriate for their use. We also present two Bayesian reliability growth models that are based on the DoD models. The Bayesian models are easily interpretable in a statistical framework, which supports estimation and uncertainty quantification. Our goal is to provide a practical understanding of the development, implementation, and use of reliability growth models across a sequence of DoD testing events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Precision therapeutics continuously make advances in cancer therapy, and a field of growing interest is the combination of targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) with potential radiosensitizing agents. This study evaluated whether the effects of in vitro TRNT, using the 177Lu-labeled anti-CD44v6 antibody AbN44v6, were potentiated by the novel stapled MDM2/X-p53 antagonist PM2. Materials and methods Two wt p53 cell lines, HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma) and UM-SCC-74B (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma), expressing different levels of the target antigen, CD44v6, were used. Antigen-specific binding of 177Lu-AbN44v6 was initially verified in a 2D cell assay, after which the potential effects of unlabeled AbN44v6 on downstream phosphorylation of Erk1/2 were evaluated by western blotting. Further, the therapeutic effects of unlabeled AbN44v6, 177Lu-AbN44v6, PM2, or a combination (labeled/unlabeled AbN44v6 +/− PM2) were assessed in 3D multicellular tumor spheroid assays. Results Radiolabeled antibody bound specifically to CD44v6 on both cell lines. Unlabeled AbN44v6 binding did not induce downstream phosphorylation of Erk1/2 at any of the concentrations tested, and repeated treatments with the unlabeled antibody did not result in any spheroid growth inhibition. 177Lu-AbN44v6 impaired spheroid growth in a dose-dependent and antigen-dependent manner. A single modality treatment with 20 μM of PM2 significantly impaired spheroid growth in both spheroid models. Furthermore, the combination of TRNT and PM2-based therapy proved significantly more potent than either monotherapy. In HCT116 spheroids, this resulted in a two- and threefold spheroid growth rate decrease for the combination of PM2 and 100 kBq 177Lu-AbN44v6 compared to monotherapies 14-day post treatment. In UM-SCC-74B spheroids, the combination therapy resulted in a reduction in spheroid size compared to the initial spheroid size 10-day post treatment. Conclusion TRNT using 177Lu-AbN44v6 proved efficient in stalling spheroid growth in a dose-dependent and antigen-dependent manner, and PM2 treatment demonstrated a growth inhibitory effect as a monotherapy. Moreover, by combining TRNT with PM2-based therapy, therapeutic effects of TRNT were potentiated in a 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model. This proof-of-concept study exemplifies the strength and possibility of combining TRNT targeting CD44v6 with PM2-based therapy.

After literally half a century of studies conducted in the western countries on the levels of pollutants in the atmosphere and their effects on human health, it is scientifically confirmed that a low quality of air quality leads to a state of Poor people's health. Particulate particles are criminated to have the most severe negative impact on the health of the population. In Romania it was updated according to European requirements, legislation in the field, by the adoption by the Romanian Parliament of Law No. 104 of 15 June 2011 on ambient air quality. This normative act aims to ensure support for the protection of human health and the environment, as a whole, by regulating measures intended to preserve ambient air quality, where this corresponds to the objectives for the quality Ambient air set out in that link.

Present state of air quality is determined according to emission and imission situation of basic pollutants. According to obtained information about the state of air quality the development of imission and emission has at the present time decreasing tendency caused especially by industrial production innovations in European countries, with slight rises renewable energy sources for electricity production, but especially the effort to improve the condition relates to the use of mandatory quotas and pollution charges in the European Union. The aim of the this article is the review of emission development in the year 1998 up to 2013 for Central European countries - Slovakia, Czech Republic and Poland and their comparison to the European average value of released emission. As pollutants were evaluated NOx and particulate matter PM10, PM2,5, which in the last few years contaminate the air and in particular the main environment.

Introduction. The purpose of the article is to assess the quality of indoor air in university by measuring the concentration of suspended particles. In the Russian Federation, the rationing of maximum permissible concentrations of undifferentiated dust in atmospheric air depends on particle size.Materials and methods. The research carries out measurements of suspended particles concentrations in the air of six audiences in the Moscow State National Research University of Civil Engineering (NRU MGSU).Results. The obtained results of concentration measurements (particle/m3) are recalculates in mg/m3, and compared with threshold values of maximum one-time concentrations of suspended particles.Discussion and conclusions. In calm weather, air pollution by suspended particles in the surface layer practically does not affect the quality of internal microclimate, which is associated with significant decrease of dust concentration in height and insufficient air exchange in natural ventilation systems.

Se lleva a cabo un estudio de correlación estadística entre datos numéricos correspondientes a la concentración de las partículas suspendidas y a la concentración de gases contaminantes que son obtenidos de las mediciones registradas en la base de datos de la Red Automática de Monitoreo Atmosférico (RAMA) para la Ciudad de México y el Área Metropolitana. Se reporta una importante dependencia entre los pares de gases NO2-NOX, NO-NOX, CO-NO, CO-NOX y los pares de partículas PM2.5-PM10, PMCO-PM10 cuando el estudio se realiza tomando como referencia una sola estación de monitoreo. Por otra parte, se encuentra una estrecha relación entre el ozono (O3) de una estación con el de otra para diferentes pares de estaciones.

Background: Precision therapeutics continuously make advances in cancer therapy, and a field of growing interest is the combination of targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) with potential radiosensitizing agents. This study evaluated whether the effects of in vitro TRNT, using the 177Lu-labeled anti-CD44v6 antibody AbN44v6, were potentiated by the novel stapled MDM2/X-p53 antagonist PM2. Materials and methods: Two wt p53 cell lines, HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma) and UM-SCC-74B (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma), expressing different levels of the target antigen, CD44v6, were used. Antigen-specific binding of 177Lu-AbN44v6 was initially verified in a 2D cell assay, after which the potential effects of unlabeled AbN44v6 on downstream phosphorylation of Erk1/2 were evaluated by western blotting. Further, the therapeutic effects of unlabeled AbN44v6, 177Lu-AbN44v6, PM2, or a combination (labeled/unlabeled AbN44v6 +/− PM2) were assessed in 3D multicellular tumor spheroid assays. Results: Radiolabeled antibody bound specifically to CD44v6 on both cell lines. Unlabeled AbN44v6 binding did not induce downstream phosphorylation of Erk1/2 at any of the concentrations tested, and repeated treatments with the unlabeled antibody did not result in any spheroid growth inhibition. 177Lu-AbN44v6 impaired spheroid growth in a dose-dependent and antigen-dependent manner. A single modality treatment with 20 μM of PM2 significantly impaired spheroid growth in both spheroid models. Furthermore, the combination of TRNT and PM2-based therapy proved significantly more potent than either monotherapy. In HCT116 spheroids, this resulted in a two- and threefold spheroid growth rate decrease for the combination of PM2 and 100 kBq 177Lu-AbN44v6 compared to monotherapies 14-day post treatment. In UM-SCC-74B spheroids, the combination therapy resulted in a reduction in spheroid size compared to the initial spheroid size 10-day post treatment. Conclusion: TRNT using 177Lu-AbN44v6 proved efficient in stalling spheroid growth in a dose-dependent and antigen-dependent manner, and PM2 treatment demonstrated a growth inhibitory effect as a monotherapy. Moreover, by combining TRNT with PM2-based therapy, therapeutic effects of TRNT were potentiated in a 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model. This proof-of-concept study exemplifies the strength and possibility of combining TRNT targeting CD44v6 with PM2-based therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W pracy przedstawiono statystyczną ocenę wpływu temperatury powietrza oraz inwersji termicznych (dolnych i górnych) na stężenia pyłu zawieszonego PM10 i PM2,5 oraz dwutlenku siarki w Gdańsku, Wrocławiu i Warszawie w okresie kalendarzowej zimy XII-II w 2016/17 r. Wykazano, że w analizowanym sezonie zimowym temperatura powietrza w przygruntowej warstwie powietrza (do 200 cm) wywierała silny wpływ na zmienność stężeń dwutlenku siarki i pyłu zawieszonego obu frakcji w każdym mieście, zwłaszcza w porze nocnej (19.00-6.00). Niekorzystny wpływ na wielkość analizowanych zanieczyszczeń miała przede wszystkim miąższość dolnych warstw inwersyjnych, podczas gdy zjawiskiem jednoznacznie korzystnym dla dyspersji zanieczyszczeń, była duża miąższość dziennej warstwy mieszania, uwarunkowana wysokim zaleganiem podstawy inwersji górnych.

This paper presents a case study on the influence of the energy efficiency of a steam boiler of 330 MW energy group on the environment. The Benson boiler works with powdered lignite. We present the results of experimental measurements on immission and emissions of pollutants resulting from burning lignite: SO2, NOx, PM10, PM2,5, TSP. Experimental measurements were performed on the boilers of 330MW power units of the thermoelectric plant of Rovinari.

The tumor suppressor p53 is a key mediator of cellular stress and DNA damage response cascades and is activated after exposure to ionizing radiation. Amplifying wild-type p53 expression by targeting negative regulators such as MDM2 in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) may result in increased therapeutic effects. The novel stapled peptide PM2 prevents MDM2 from suppressing wild-type p53, and is thus a promising agent for therapeutic combination with EBRT. Effects of PM2 and potential PM2-induced radiosensitivity were assessed in a panel of cancer cell lines using 2D cell viability assays. Western Blot and flow cytometric analyses were used to investigate the mechanisms behind the observed effects in samples treated with PM2 and EBRT. Finally, PM2-treatment combined with EBRT was evaluated in an in vitro 3D spheroid model. PM2-therapy decreased cell viability in wild-type p53, HPV-negative cell lines. Western Blotting and flow cytometry confirmed upregulation of p53, as well as initiation of p53-mediated apoptosis measured by increased cleaved caspase-3 and Noxa activity. Furthermore, 3D in vitro tumor spheroid experiments confirmed the superior effects of the combination, as the only treatment regime resulting in growth inhibition and complete spheroid disintegration. We conclude that PM2 induces antitumorigenic effects in wt p53 HPV-negative cancer cells and potentiates the effects of EBRT, ultimately resulting in tumor eradication in a 3D spheroid model. This strategy shows great potential as a new wt p53 specific tumor-targeting compound, and the combination of PM2 and EBRT could be a promising strategy to increase therapeutic effects and decrease adverse effects from radiotherapy.

The tumor suppressor p53 is a key mediator of cellular stress and DNA damage response cascades and is activated after exposure to ionizing radiation. Amplifying wild-type p53 expression by targeting negative regulators such as MDM2 in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) may result in increased therapeutic effects. The novel stapled peptide PM2 prevents MDM2 from suppressing wild-type p53, and is thus a promising agent for therapeutic combination with EBRT. Effects of PM2 and potential PM2-induced radiosensitivity were assessed in a panel of cancer cell lines using 2D cell viability assays. Western Blot and flow cytometric analyses were used to investigate the mechanisms behind the observed effects in samples treated with PM2 and EBRT. Finally, PM2-treatment combined with EBRT was evaluated in an in vitro 3D spheroid model. PM2-therapy decreased cell viability in wild-type p53, HPV-negative cell lines. Western Blotting and flow cytometry confirmed upregulation of p53, as well as initiation of p53-mediated apoptosis measured by increased cleaved caspase-3 and Noxa activity. Furthermore, 3D in vitro tumor spheroid experiments confirmed the superior effects of the combination, as the only treatment regime resulting in growth inhibition and complete spheroid disintegration. We conclude that PM2 induces antitumorigenic effects in wt p53 HPV-negative cancer cells and potentiates the effects of EBRT, ultimately resulting in tumor eradication in a 3D spheroid model. This strategy shows great potential as a new wt p53 specific tumor-targeting compound, and the combination of PM2 and EBRT could be a promising strategy to increase therapeutic effects and decrease adverse effects from radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Las partículas atmosféricas constituyon uno de los contaminantes atmosféricos más importantes, debido a que contienen metales e hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) que son compuestos con conocida actividad genotóxica, mutagénica y carcinogénica. Las partículas finas con diámetro menor a 2,5 µm (PM2,5) producidas por la combustión de los vehículos diésel están implicadas en efectos sobre la salud humana. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar la actividad mutagénica y genotóxica de la fracción respirable del PM2,5, presente cerca de la avenida fronteriza de alto flujo vehicular en Villa de Rosario (Norte de Santander), la cual comunica los países de Colombia y Venezuela. El PM2,5 fue evaluado con filtros de cuarzo Pallflex. La actividad mutagénica y genotóxica de los extractos del PM2,5 fue determinada mediante la prueba de Ames y el ensayo cometa. En la prueba de Ames se utilizaron las cepas TA98 y TA100 de Salmonella typhimurium y el daño genotóxico se evaluó en linfocitos de sangre periférica. Los resultados mostraron mutagenicidad y genotoxicidad asociada con la fracción PM2,5 en Villa del Rosario, lo cual representa un riesgo en la aparición de enfermedades como el cáncer en la población expuesta.

El uso doméstico de leña representa una condición socioecológica con importantes efectos sobre la salud, principalmente en las zonas rurales de los países en desarrollo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la exposición a hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) en mujeres y niños, así como la concentración de PM2,5 en interiores de viviendas indígenas de Tocoy, San Antonio, San Luis Potosí, México. Con los resultados, se analizó la perspectiva de los padres para la toma de decisiones en la atención a la salud ambiental infantil por riesgos de exposición a tóxicos. Utilizamos el 1-hidroxipireno como un biomarcador de exposición a HAP y se evaluaron las PM2,5 de 24 horas en interiores de viviendas indígenas mediante equipos Minivol®. El 100 % de las viviendas estudiadas utilizaban biomasa para la cocción de sus alimentos y el 70 % quemaban basura en sus hogares. Se encontraron niveles de 1-OHP en mujeres y niños de 1,15 (0,28-2,1) y 1,04 (0,28-3,62) μmol/mol creatinina respectivamente. Además, se detectaron concentraciones medias de PM2,5 de 93,3 ± 3,6 μg/m3. Finalmente se mostró que el 90 % de los cuidadores indican que el niño se concentra en el área de la cocina y traspatio, existiendo poca o nula adaptación para la seguridad del niño. Esta comunidad indígena es un ejemplo de los riesgos en salud asociados a contaminación de aire de interiores en México; por consiguiente se requiere de programas de intervención dirigidos a reducir la exposición a estos tóxicos en poblaciones vulnerables, iniciando por la educación de los cuidadores.

PM10 and PM2,5 were sampled simultaneously in urban and volcanic environments in the Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica from October to November 2012. Higher mass concentrations (42-29 μgm-3) of PM10 and PM2,5 were found at industrial and commercial areas with high traffic flow (La Uruca, Heredia and Belen) compared with those found in the volcanic areas. The daily concentrations of PM10 and PM2,5 obtained in the Poas Volcano ranged from 3 -14 μgm-3 and 2-11 μgm-3, respectively. However the acidity of the collected particles in the Poas volcano was higher than those sampled in urban environments probably due to a lower occurrence rate of neutralization. The contribution of secondary ions was more important to the volcanic PM10 composition (around 40%), unlike the PM10 collected in urban areas.

• There is a large diversity of genetically defined resistance genes in bread wheat against the powdery mildew pathogen Blumeria graminis (B. g.) f. sp. tritici. Many confer race-specific resistance to this pathogen, but until now only the mildew avirulence gene AvrPm3a2/f2 that is recognized by Pm3a/f was known molecularly. • We performed map-based cloning and genome-wide association studies to isolate a candidate for the mildew avirulence gene AvrPm2. We then used transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana to demonstrate specific and strong recognition of AvrPm2 by Pm2. • The virulent AvrPm2 allele arose from a conserved 12 kb deletion, while there is no protein sequence diversity in the gene pool of avirulent B. g. tritici isolates. We found one polymorphic AvrPm2 allele in B. g. triticale and one orthologue in B. g. secalis and both are recognized by Pm2. AvrPm2 belongs to a small gene family encoding structurally conserved RNase-like effectors, including Avra13 from B. g. hordei, the cognate Avr of the barley resistance gene Mla13. • These results demonstrate the conservation of functional avirulence genes in two cereal powdery mildews specialized on different hosts, thus providing a possible explanation for successful introgression of resistance genes from rye or other grass relatives to wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It is important to detect wheat broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance (Pm) genes in commercial cultivars with superior agronomic performance. YingBo 700, a Chinese commercial cultivar registered and released in 2012, showed a broad spectrum of resistance to 48 of 49 tested Blumeria graminis f. sp tritici (Bgt) isolates from different regions of China. Genetic analysis of F2 populations from the crosses YingBo 700 × Mingxian 169 and YingBo 700 × Shimai 15 and F2:3 lines from YingBo 700 × Mingxian 169 demonstrated that the resistance was controlled by a single dominant resistance gene, which was temporarily designated PmYB. Using molecular markers and bulked segregant analysis of the F2:3 lines from YingBo 700 × Mingxian 169, PmYB was mapped to the multi-allelic Pm2 region of chromosome arm 5DS co-segregated with the sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker SCAR112 and flanked by the simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker Cfd81 and SCAR marker SCAR203 with genetic distance of 0.9 and 1.9 cM, respectively. YingBo 700 showed a unique response pattern to different Bgt isolates compared with the lines with documented Pm2a, Pm2b, Pm48, PmLX66, PmW14, PmZ155 and PmX3986-2 on chromosome arm 5DS. Therefore, PmYB appears to be a novel allele in this multi-allelic region. In order to validate applicability of the closely linked markers for marker-assisted selection, the closely linked markers Cfd81, SCAR112, SCAR203 and Mag6176 were evaluated for applicability in diagnosing the resistance gene in 62 cultivars from different regions of China. The results will contribute to rapidly transfer of PmYB into more cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ion channels have important roles in maintaining cell viability and cellular functions. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of losartan on TRPV1 and TRPM2 ion channels at experimental diabetes mellitus kidney tissues in rats. Material and Method: We used 24 male 8-10 weeks old Wistar albino rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups. No application was made to control group. To buffer group, only phosphate-citrate buffer was injected intraperitoneally. To diabetic group 50 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) that was dissolved in phosphate-citrate buffer was injected. In diabetes + losartan group, 50 mg/kg STZ was injected and losartan was given 10 mg/kg/day orally after development of diabetes. Finally rats were decapitated and kidney tissues were removed. With routine procedures, tissues were embedded in paraphine blockes. For TRPV1 ve TRPM2 immunreactivity "avidin-biotin-peroxidase" method was applied. Results: TRPV1 immunreactivity was at +3 diffusiveness in glomeruli at control and buffer group. In comparison with control group, TRPV1 immunreactivity was decreased at diabetic group as +1 diffusiveness. There was no alteration at TRPV1 immunreactivity between diabetic group and losartan group. TRPM2 immunreactivity was observed +1 intensity in tubules at control and buffer group. In comparison with control group, TRPM2 immunreactivity was increased at diabetic group as +3 intensity. In comparison with diabetic group. TRPM2 immunreactivity was decreased at losartan group. Conclusion: We observed that diabetes decreases TRPV1 immunreactivity, increases TRPM2 immunreactivity at rat kidney tissue. These results suggest that TRPV1 and TRPM2 channels can parcipate to pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since it was commercialized in 2008, Liangxing 66 is one of the most widely grown cultivars of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in winter and facultative wheat-producing regions in northern China. This cultivar displays broad-spectrum resistance to isolates of powdery mildew. To identify the powdery mildew resistance gene in Liangxing 66, genetic analysis and molecular mapping were conducted using the F populations and F families derived from the reciprocal crosses of Liangxing 66 and the susceptible cultivar Jingshuang 16. A single dominant gene, tentatively designated PmLX66, conferred resistance in Liangxing 66 to the powdery mildew isolate E09. The results of molecular mapping indicated that this gene was located on the short arm of chromosome 5D and flanked by SCAR203 and Xcfd81 at genetic distances of 0.4 and 2.8 cM, respectively, which is similar to the position of locus Pm2. However, PmLX66 and Pm2 showed different reactions to five of the 42 isolates of powdery mildew tested. Together, these results indicated that PmLX66 was most likely an allele of Pm2. Based on its superior yield and agronomic performance, in combination with powdery mildew resistance, Liangxing 66 is useful as a promising parent for control of powdery mildew and for the development of new disease-resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, since 2002, the Brussels authorities organize a car free day on the third Sunday of September. This very interesting experience has revealed some valuable information concerning traffic-related gaseous pollutants and particulates. On the car free Sunday of 2006 very high PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations were measured, along with very low concentrations for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and dioxide. The car free Sunday of 2009 also showed very interesting results. During the traffic ban hours, particulate mass concentration and particulate number concentration peaked to one of the highest values for the whole year 2009. Black Carbon however was the only measured particulate component whose concentration continued to decrease during the traffic ban period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm) is associated with excess mortality and other health effects. Stationary sources are regulated and considerable effort is being put into developing low-pollution vehicles and environment-friendly transportation systems. While waiting for technological breakthroughs in emission controls, the current work assesses the exposure reductions achievable by a complementary means: efficient filtration of supply air in buildings. For this purpose infiltration factors for buildings of different ages are quantified using Exposures of Adult Urban Populations in Europe Study (EXPOLIS) measurements of indoor and outdoor concentrations in a population-based probability sample of residential and occupational buildings in Helsinki, Finland. These are entered as inputs into an evaluated simulation model to compare exposures in the current scenario with an alternative scenario, where the distribution of ambient PM2.5 infiltration factors in all residential and occupational buildings are assumed to be similar to the subset of existing occupational buildings using supply air filters. In the alternative scenario exposures to ambient PM2.5 were reduced by 27%. Compared with source controls, a significant additional benefit is that infiltration affects particles from all outdoor sources. The large fraction of time spent indoors makes the reduction larger than what probably can be achieved by local transport policies or other emission controls in the near future. It has been suggested that indoor concentrations of ambient particles and the associated health risks can be reduced by using mechanical ventilation systems with supply air filtering in buildings. The current work quantifies the effects of these concentration reductions on population exposures using population-based data from Helsinki and an exposure model. The estimated exposure reductions suggest that correctly defined building codes may reduce annual premature mortality by hundreds in Finland and by tens of thousands in the developed world altogether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six residences were selected (two roadside, two urban, and two rural) to evaluate the indoor–outdoor characteristics of PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter<2.5 μm) carbonaceous species in Hong Kong during March and April 2004. Twenty-minute-averaged indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were recorded by DustTrak samplers simultaneously at each site for 3 days to examine diurnal variability of PM2.5 mass concentrations and their indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios. Daily (24-h average) indoor/outdoor PM2.5 samples were collected on pre-fired quartz–fiber filters with battery-powered portable mini-volume samplers and analyzed for organic and elemental carbon (OC, EC) by thermal/optical reflectance (TOR) following the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) protocol. The average indoor and outdoor concentrations of 24 h PM2.5 were 56.7 and 43.8 μg/m3, respectively. The short-term PM2.5 profiles indicated that the penetration of outdoor particles was an important contributor to indoor PM2.5, and a household survey indicated that daily activities were also sources of episodic peaks in indoor PM2.5. The average indoor OC and EC concentrations of 17.1 and 2.8 μg/m3, respectively, accounted for an average of 29.5 and 5.2%, respectively, of indoor PM2.5 mass. The average indoor OC/EC ratios were 5.8, 9.1, and 5.0 in roadside, urban, and rural areas, respectively; while average outdoor OC/EC ratios were 4.0, 4.3, and 4.0, respectively. The average I/O ratios of 24 h PM2.5, OC, and EC were 1.4, 1.8, and 1.2, respectively. High indoor–outdoor correlations (r2) were found for PM2.5 EC (0.96) and mass (0.81), and low correlations were found for OC (0.55), indicative of different organic carbon sources indoors. A simple model implied that about two-thirds of carbonaceous particles in indoor air are originated from outdoor sources. Indoor particulate pollution has received more attentions in Asia. This study presents a case study regarding the fine particulate matter and its carbonaceous compositions at six residential homes in Hong Kong. The characteristics and relationship of atmospheric organic and elemental carbon were discussed indoors and outdoors. The distribution of eight carbon fractions was first reported in indoor samples to interpret potential sources of indoor carbonaceous particles. The data set can provide significant scientific basis for indoor air quality and epidemiology study in Hong Kong and China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent guidance suggested modified DNA variant pathogenicity assignments based on genome-wide allele rarity. Different a priori probabilities of pathogenicity operate where patients already have clinical diagnoses, and are found to have a very rare variant in a gene known to cause their disease, compared to predictive testing of a clinically unaffected individual. We tested new recommendations from the ClinGen Sequence Variant Interpretation Working Group for ClinVar-listed, loss-of-function variants meeting the very strong evidence of pathogenicity criterion [PVS1] in genes for 3 specific diseases where causal gene identification can modify clinical care of an individual- Von Willebrand disease, cystic fibrosis and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Across these diseases, current rules leave 20/1,278 (1.6%) of loss-of-function variants as variants of uncertain significance (VUS that may not be reported to clinicians), and 207/1,278 (17.2%) as likely pathogenic. Applying the new ClinGen rule enabling PVS1 and the allele rarity criterion PM2 to delineate likely pathogenicity still left 8/1,278 (0.9%) as VUS (reflecting non-PVS1 calls by the submitters), and the majority of null alleles meeting PVS1 as merely likely pathogenic. We favour an approach whereby, for PVS1 variants in patients who personally meet the phenotypic PP4 criterion for a disease where casual variants are commonly family-specific, that PM2 is upgraded to permit a pathogenic call. Of 1,278 ClinVar-listed frameshift, nonsense and canonical splice site variants that met PVS1 in the 3 conditions, 16.0% (204/1,278) would be newly designated as pathogenic, avoiding misinterpretation outside of clinical genetics communities. We suggest further discussion around variant assessment across different clinical applications, potentially guided by PP4 alerts to distinguish personal versus family phenotypic history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies like other epidemiological studies are costly and time-consuming. They require the administration of questionnaires and collection of biological samples, putting substantial burden on the participants which may result in low participation rates. The growing importance of HBM studies in epidemiology, exposure assessment and risk assessment underline the importance of optimizing study planning, designing and implementation thus minimizing the above-mentioned difficulties.Methods: Based on frameworks from survey design and fieldwork preparation of the European Joint Program HBM4EU, the German Environment Surveys and the COPHES/DEMOCOPHES twin projects combined with elements of project management strategies, a Phased Approach has been developed, introducing a step-by-step guideline for the development of epidemiological studies.Results: The Phased Approach splits the process of developing a study into six phases: Phase 0 (Scoping and Planning): All aspects that are necessary to conduct a study are compiled and put on the agenda for decision-making. Phase 1 (Preparation and Testing): Instruments (e.g. questionnaires), materials (e.g. guidelines, information), and ethics and data management issues, needing thorough preparation and testing before a study can start. Phase 2 (Initiation): Organization and acquisition of necessary equipment and engaging and training personnel. Phase 3 (Implementation): All procedures that require temporal proximity to the start date of fieldwork, such as obtaining contact information of invitees. Phase 4 (Fieldwork and Analysis): Involvement of participants and chemical analysis of the collected samples. Phase 5 (Results and Evaluation): Final procedures leading to closure of the project, such as providing and communicating results.Conclusions: The separation of the planning and conduct of human biomonitoring studies into different phases creates the basis for a structured procedure and facilitates a step-by-step approach reducing costs, warranting high participation rates and increasing quality of conduct. Emphasis is put on a comprehensive scoping phase ensuring high quality of the study design, which is indispensable for reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]