First Evolution of Radon Concentrations Spatial Distribution based on the geological parameters and multiple linear regression method in schools of Sjenica community, Western Serbia (Balkan area)

Purpose: The paper deals with the analysis of radon survey in 34 schools over Sjenica community, in West Serbia, aiming at systematically continuation of previously performed surveys (2008-2010) in the 340 schools in South Serbia, as the project activities (Serbian Ministry of Education Since and Technical Development) considering optimization of the design of a national survey and improving the knowledge of radon distribution in Serbia. In addition , the results of this survey triggered, based on Sjenica (Pestar) region complex geology and measured annual Rn concentrations, an attempt of the explanation of radon spatial variation in Sjenica community by multivariable linear regression (MLR) method in total of 36 public buildings investigated (beside schools, the kindergarten and meterological station). Argumatation: Schools are workplaces which are subject to Rn regulations (EC 2014,BSS).Among other, the BSS require establishing reference levels for long-term indoor Rn concentration, not exceeding 300 Bq/m3 for both dwellings and workplaces. The 36 public buildings were surveyed the whole year in the Sjenica community in West Serbia by long term measurements with CR-39 detectors (commercially named Gamma 1, Landaurer, Sweden). Sjenica community is the largest community of 1059 km2 surface in Serbia and it was found that indoor radon (Rn) lower than 100 Bq/m3 are most probable and although with lower probability,that Rn higher than action level of 300 Bq/m3could occur in 14% of the buildings , indicating potential of the investigated area as high natural background area. The highest measured indoor Rn concentration was 1130 Bq/m3. Conclusion: The predictive model was developed, in order to determine how geological parameters best merge to explain the indoor radon concentrations. The results of this investigation highlight that it is possible to predict indoor radon concentrations using the geological data to an acceptable level of accuracy with a limited number of measurements. There is potential of the investigated area as high natural background area

Transcriptome-driven integrative exploration of functional state of ureter tissue affected by CAKUT

Aims: (1) to identify the most dysregulated genes in ureter tissue affected by congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and to extract the biological meaning of these markers; (2) to describe the key molecular networks in CAKUT and to provide expression validation of the genes selected from these networks. Main methods: Transcriptome data was obtained from ureter samples of CAKUT patients and controls by Illumina iScan microarray. Identification of differentially expressed genes was coupled with subsequent bioin- formatics analyses. Expression of candidate genes was validated by qRT-PCR. Key findings: Analysis of the transcriptome led to the identification of 78 commonly dysregulated genes in CAKUT tissue compared to controls. Integrative bioinformatic analyses of differentially expressed genes iden- tified 7 major networks. The targets for qRT-PCR validation were selected as members of the major molecular networks in CAKUT, which had both, the significant high fold change and biological relevance for CAKUT. By qRT-PCR the substantial increase of LCN2, PROM1, SOSTDC1, and decrease of INA, RASD1 and TAC3 mRNA levels was confirmed. Significance: Since CAKUT is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease in children, the search for molecular targets for postnatal therapy is of particular interest. Data described in this study represents the gene expression profile and significant molecular networks specific to human ureter affected by CAKUT. The discovery of im- paired molecular factors and processes is the step towards the uncovering of the key mechanisms that reflect CAKUT postnatally and could lead to the affected tissue deterioration and end organ damage