1. New approach methodologies to facilitate and improve the hazard assessment of non-genotoxic carcinogens : a PARC projectMarc Audebert, Ann-Sophie Assmann, Amaya Azqueta, Pavel Babica, Emilio Benfenati, Martina Štampar, Bojana Žegura, 2023, review article Abstract: Carcinogenic chemicals, or their metabolites, can be classified as genotoxic or non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxCs). Genotoxic compounds induce DNA damage, which can be detected by an established in vitro and in vivo battery of genotoxicity assays. For NGTxCs, DNA is not the primary target, and the possible modes of action (MoA) of NGTxCs are much more diverse than those of genotoxic compounds, and there is no specific in vitro assay for detecting NGTxCs. Therefore, the evaluation of the carcinogenic potential is still dependent on long-term studies in rodents. This 2-year bioassay, mainly applied for testing agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, is time-consuming, costly and requires very high numbers of animals. More importantly, its relevance for human risk assessment is questionable due to the limited predictivity for human cancer risk, especially with regard to NGTxCs. Thus, there is an urgent need for a transition to new approach methodologies (NAMs), integrating human-relevant in vitro assays and in silico tools that better exploit the current knowledge of the multiple processes involved in carcinogenesis into a modern safety assessment toolbox. Here, we describe an integrative project that aims to use a variety of novel approaches to detect the carcinogenic potential of NGTxCs based on different mechanisms and pathways involved in carcinogenesis. The aim of this project is to contribute suitable assays for the safety assessment toolbox for an efficient and improved, internationally recognized hazard assessment of NGTxCs, and ultimately to contribute to reliable mechanism-based next-generation risk assessment for chemical carcinogens. Keywords: non-genotoxic carcinogens, NGTxC, new approach methodologies, NAM, PARC Published in DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Views: 85; Downloads: 47
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2. The GMOseek matrix : a decision support tool for optimizing the detection of genetically modified plantsAnnette Block, Frédéric Debode, Lutz Grohmann, Julie Hulin, Isabel Taverniers, Linda Kluga, Elodie Barbau-Piednoir, Sylvia Broeders, Ingrid Huber, Marc Bulcke, Petra Heinze, Gilbert Berben, Ulrich Busch, Nancy Roosens, Erik Janssen, Jana Žel, Kristina Gruden, Dany Morisset, 2013, original scientific article Abstract: Background
Since their first commercialization, the diversity of taxa and the genetic composition of transgene sequences in genetically modified plants (GMOs) are constantly increasing. To date, the detection of GMOs and derived products is commonly performed by PCR-based methods targeting specific DNA sequences introduced into the host genome. Information available regarding the GMOs’ molecular characterization is dispersed and not appropriately organized. For this reason, GMO testing is very challenging and requires more complex screening strategies and decision making schemes, demanding in return the use of efficient bioinformatics tools relying on reliable information.
Description
The GMOseek matrix was built as a comprehensive, online open-access tabulated database which provides a reliable, comprehensive and user-friendly overview of 328 GMO events and 247 different genetic elements (status: 18/07/2013). The GMOseek matrix is aiming to facilitate GMO detection from plant origin at different phases of the analysis. It assists in selecting the targets for a screening analysis, interpreting the screening results, checking the occurrence of a screening element in a group of selected GMOs, identifying gaps in the available pool of GMO detection methods, and designing a decision tree. The GMOseek matrix is an independent database with effective functionalities in a format facilitating transferability to other platforms. Data were collected from all available sources and experimentally tested where detection methods and certified reference materials (CRMs) were available.
Conclusions
The GMOseek matrix is currently a unique and very valuable tool with reliable information on GMOs from plant origin and their present genetic elements that enables further development of appropriate strategies for GMO detection. It is flexible enough to be further updated with new information and integrated in different applications and platforms. Keywords: genetically modified organism, GMO, GMO screening, matrix approach, genetically modified plant Published in DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Views: 112; Downloads: 96
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3. Challenges in harmonized assessment of heavy metals in the Adriatic and Ionian SeasDaniela Berto, Margherita Malgorzata Formalewicz, Giordano Giorgi, Federico Rampazzo, Claudia Gion, Benedetta Trabucco, Michele Giani, Marina Lipizer, Slavica Matijević, Helen Kaberi, Christina Zeri, Oliver Bajt, Nevenka Mikac, Danijela Joksimović, Andriana Aravantinou, Mateja Poje, Magdalena Cara, Loredana Manfra, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: The Adriatic-Ionian region (ADRION Region) shows strong development in terms of urban expansion in coastal and inland areas as well as increasing maritime traffic and offshore hydrocarbon extraction activities. A serious risk of pollution arises from hazardous substances requiring reliable and coherent monitoring and assessment programs. EU Directives (WFD – Water Framework Directive, MSFD – Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and Barcelona Convention protocols, aim to assess the level of pollution with the objective to implement measures to prevent and/or mitigate impacts on the marine environment. This high level integration process has to be based on common and agreed protocols for monitoring of contaminants. Aiming to share best practices to encourage a harmonized implementation of monitoring and assessment of contaminants, an extensive review of monitoring and analytical protocols adopted by six EU and non-EU countries along the Adriatic and Ionian seas was carried out in the framework of the Interreg Adrion project HarmoNIA (Interreg V-B Adriatic-Ionian (ADRION), 2018–2020). This paper presents a methodological proposal to define a common protocol for the evaluation of the metal contamination of seawater, sediment and biota. Contaminants have been chosen following preliminary consultations among countries of the ADRION area, considering objectives of WFD and MSFD, as well as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures for offshore platforms. Information was gathered relative to matrix characteristics and quality assurance/quality control of the analytical performance (sample preservation, analytical methodology, reference materials, limit of detection, and limit of quantification, accuracy, reproducibility, etc.). The comparison of information provided by laboratories of nine institutions highlighted the request for harmonization in terms of sampling procedures, matrix characterization, preservation procedures, analytical methods and LOQ values. Although appropriate environmental quality standards for biota and sediment matrices should be established at national level and also through regional and sub-regional cooperation, as required by the WFD and MSFD, the proposed LOQ values, even if challenging, represent a benchmark and a stimulus to optimize analytical performance, to ensure the best level of protection to the coastal and offshore environment in the ADRION Region. Keywords: hazardous substances, harmonized protocols, integrated approach, monitoring, assessment of contaminants, heavy metals, Adriatic-Ionian Sea region Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 215; Downloads: 131
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4. An analysis of Adriatic ichthyofauna : ecology, zoogeography, and conservation statusLovrenc Lipej, Marcelo Kovačić, Jakov Dulčić, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The paper presents an analysis of biogeographic and habitat distribution patterns, and the conservation status data of Adriatic fishes, based on the last published checklist and evidence-based critical analyses of species presence. The total number of species recorded in the Adriatic is 449. The Adriatic has 58.8% of Mediterranean species richness, 76.1% of its families, and 87.8% of its orders. Among species discovered in the Adriatic after 2010, twelve species were attributed to biological invasion, mostly Atlantic immigrants or alien species, and ten species were attributed to improved research on the native ichthyofauna of the Adriatic area. About 58% of species are native species of Atlanto-Mediterranean origin, 21% are native species of wider global occurrence, 15% are Mediterranean or Mediterranean and Black Sea endemics and 5% originated outside Mediterranean Sea. The majority of species inhabit the benthic environment (71.9%), while others occur in the pelagic environment (20.7%) or are euryhaline (7.3%). The benthic littoral species are the most numerous Adriatic fishes, representing 40% of all species richness, whereas pelagic fishes are mainly eurybathic or epipelagic; only 3.6% of species are deep pelagic species. A Red Book of marine fishes of the Adriatic Sea is urgently needed to assess their conservation status, covering the entire Adriatic Sea and reviewing all fish species to assess their conservation status. Keywords: Adriatic ichthyofauna, evidence-based approach, zoogeography, habitat distribution Published in DiRROS: 16.07.2024; Views: 127; Downloads: 102
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5. Mining waste in circular economy - legislative aspectSenko Pličanič, Ana Mladenovič, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Petra Vrhovnik, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: One of the common European commitments is a transition towards a green circular economy in which waste is not discarded and considered to be just an environmental problem, but should be recognized as an important potential source of raw materials for industry. In a priority order in waste management activities, introduced by the Waste Directive in 2012, recycling is set just behind the waste prevention and reuse. Many types of waste can be recycled, the most perspective being construction, industrial and mining wastes. The latter are produced and disposed of at mine sites during the excavation and processing of ore and are extremely perspective due to large quantities and remaining of different metals, however still underutilized, with low recycling rate. Many mining wastes are inert and do not releases contaminants into environment, however, some of them are problematic and even require monitoring. Reprocessing of these wastes, which include beneficiation and sequential extraction of valuable metals in the first phase and recycling of residues in both structural and civil engineering in the second phase establishes a zero waste model with several benefits for economy, environment and society. Out of the South-East European countries, North Macedonia has great potential to establish this model. As a consequence of long mining tradition and abundant ore resources, there are many mining and metallurgical tailings, on the other hand vivid economy and numerous sinks for use of recycled materials in construction sector can accommodate these quantities. However, there are open questions in terms of administrative procedures and legislation. What are those obstacles that accompany the smooth establishment of the proposed model from a legislative point of view? This paper deals with the situation in North Macedonia, in terms of opportunities, legislative options and the need to adopt new legislation, taking also into account the current problems in this field in Europe. Keywords: circular economy, zero-waste approach, mining waste, construction sector, legislation, krožno gospodarstvo, pristop ničelnega odpadka, rudarski odpadki, gradbeništvo, zakonodaja Published in DiRROS: 04.12.2023; Views: 404; Downloads: 199
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6. Flood vulnerability study of a roadway bridge subjected to hydrodynamic actions, local scour and wood debris accumulationMirko Kosič, Andrej Anžlin, Valentina Bau', 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The increased occurrence and intensity of flooding events have represented a real threat to bridge reliability and end-user safety. As flood vulnerability assessment is a valuable tool for enhancing the resilience of bridges to climate change, it is of interest to push the development of such methods. To this end, a computationally efficient methodology to assess the flood vulnerability of a bridge was developed and implemented in a case study. A particular focus was devoted to modelling wood debris loads on the bridge pier, for which two different approaches were implemented. The first is a standards-based approach, whereas the second is based on up-to-date research data. The results indicate that the second approach is less conservative as it leads up to a 40% higher exceedance probability for the considered limit states. The interaction between wood debris loads and local scour was also examined and proved to have a relevant impact on the vulnerability of the bridge. These results highlight the shortcomings of the existing standards in providing accurate results. It is perceived that not only will the new quantitative tool be valuable in ensuring optimal bridge design, but it will also be beneficial for assessing bridge risk mitigation measures. Keywords: flooding, vulnerability, wood debris, local scour, hydrodynamic load, stochastic approach, bridges, open access Published in DiRROS: 31.05.2023; Views: 562; Downloads: 302
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7. How do you feel at school? : a cross-country comparative analysis of migrant adolescents' school well-beingLucija Dežan, Mateja Sedmak, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Adolescents present a relevant stakeholder in international migrations since they comprise a large share of all migrants. Previous studies show that migration processes significantly affect the well-being of migrant adolescents. This article investigates how the school environment, with its pedagogical practices and interpersonal relationships established between migrant adolescents, their classmates, and teachers, affect migrant adolescents’ well-being. Our research draws on quantitative data collected as part of the MiCREATE project. The sample of migrant adolescents (N = 700) was surveyed in 46 schools in six countries: Austria, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Results indicate that migrant adolescents like school and feel safe there, however, they tend to be more satisfied with relationships established with teachers than with peers. Furthermore, differences in self-perceived school well-being emerge when comparing countries with a longer tradition of high migration flows (Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom) and those less experienced (Poland and Slovenia), although slight exceptions were detected. The results lead to the conclusion that schools that foster intercultural education and fulfilling interpersonal relationships are essential for school well-being of migrant adolescents and present an important step toward successful integration of migrant youth. Keywords: migration, migrant children, well-being, integration, child-centered approach, family, school Published in DiRROS: 30.01.2023; Views: 486; Downloads: 306
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8. What about the family? : the role and meaning of family in the integration of migrant childrenZorana Medarić, Barbara Gornik, Mateja Sedmak, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Based on field research in Slovenian schools, the article examines the role of the family in the integration process of migrant children. While migrant children perceive the family as the most important factor influencing their overall well-being and life satisfaction, research shows that parents of migrant children are often not involved in school activities and life. The article explores how the role of parents in the integration process of migrant children in the school environment is understood at the policy level and how it is perceived by migrant children and the educational community. It also explores what are the main barriers to the involvement of migrant parents in schools and what are the existing practices and experiences in Slovenian schools. The analysis is based on qualitative research in Slovenian schools with children and the educational community conducted as part of the Migrant Children and Communities in a Transforming Europe (MiCREATE) project. Keywords: migration, migrant children, integration, child-centered approach, family, school Published in DiRROS: 13.12.2022; Views: 660; Downloads: 382
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9. Vismodegib in locally advanced basal cell carcinoma in SloveniaTanja Mesti, Maša Sever, Janja Ocvirk, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Vismodegib is a first-in-class inhibitor of the hedgehog pathway for treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) and metastatic BCC. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report outcomes of patients with laBCC, with basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome (Gorlin Goltz syndrome [G-G Syn]) treated with vismodegib in routine clinical practice in Slovenia in 8.3-year period. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed baseline characteristics, outcomes, and treatment-related adverse events from locally advanced BCC. The patients were divided into two cohorts: 39 laBCC or multiple BCC patients and 7 patients with G-G Syn who were treated with vismodegib from November 2012 till January 2021. Results: During 100-month period, 46 patients were diagnosed with laBCC (26), multiple BCC (13), and G-G Syn (7), all inappropriate for surgery or radiotherapy. Baseline characteristics: median age was 72.8 years in laBCC + multiple BCC cohort and 47.4 years in G-G Syn cohort. The objective response rate was 80% in laBCC + multiple BCC and 86% in G-G Syn cohort. Disease control rate (DCR) was 95% in laBCC + multiple BCC and 100% in G-G Syn cohort. Median duration of treatment was 9.9 months (range: 1.5-43.1) in laBCC and multiple BCC cohort and 19.5 months (range: 3.6-94.1) in G-G Syn cohort. Majority of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in laBCC or multiple BCC cohort were grade 1 or 2 (96%), only 4% of AEs were grade 3. Majority of TEAEs in G-G Syn cohort were also grade 1 or 2 (87%), 13% of AEs were grade 3. No grade 4 or 5 vismodegib-related AEs were reported. Conclusion: Vismodegib has shown meaningful efficacy with DCR from 95% to 100% in patients with laBCC, multiple BCC, and G-G Syn in Slovenia. TEAEs were successfully alleviated with multidisciplinary approach and early supportive care. Keywords: basal cell carcinoma, early supportive care, Gorlin Goltz syndrome, multidisciplinary approach Published in DiRROS: 07.09.2022; Views: 583; Downloads: 294
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