Abstract R-loops (RNA/DNA hybrids) are caused by defects in RNA transcription or processing and their level heavily correlates with genome instability and human disease. Most current yeast methods for R-loop analysis use fixed or disrupted cells probed with an R-loop specific antibody (S9.6), and relatively few cytological methods are available to visualize R-loops in living cells. Here we present a simplified cytological method for R-loop detection in live cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a catalytically inactive RNase H1 protein coupled to GFP (dRnh1-GFP reporter). In cells lacking the endogenous RNase H1 gene, reporter expression generates bright nuclear foci that colocalize with R-loops as defined by S9.6 immunocytology. We find that our dRnh1-GFP reporter system can sensitively identify and track changes in R-loop levels induced by various mutations and small molecules known to increase R-loops. Given its ease of use and superior R-loop specificity relative to S9.6, the dRnh1-GFP reporter is suitable for use in high throughput experiments and presents an exciting opportunity to deepen our understanding of R-loops and their regulatory mechanisms.

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• Pub. Date : 2025
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• Pub. Date : 2025
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• Pub. Date : 2025
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ABSTRACTPurposeRe‐irradiation (RT2) for children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is increasingly used upon recurrence; however, limited data are available for evaluating additional courses of radiotherapy (RT) for DIPG. The purpose of this case series was to report our institutional experience in treating patients with recurrent DIPG with three (RT3) or four (RT4) courses of RT.Material and MethodsA retrospective study of all children with DIPG treated with RT3 or RT4 at a single institution was performed. Medical records were reviewed, and composite dosimetry across all delivered courses of RT was reconstructed. All patients received conventionally fractionated photon RT at 1.8–2 Gy per day, with RT3 or RT4 dose prescriptions ranging 18–21.6 Gy in 10–12 fractions to the brainstem.ResultsFive patients were identified; four received three courses of RT while one received four to the brainstem. Median survival from the last course of radiation to death was 4 months; median survival from the first course of RT was 26 months. The median cumulative brainstem D0.03cc for all courses of radiation was 104 Gy (interquartile range: 102–112 Gy). The median time from RT2 to RT3 was 8 months, with partial neurologic recovery (80%) or stable symptoms (20%) after RT3. Radiological appearance of tumor or brainstem necrosis was reported in two patients after RT3 (40%).ConclusionsA third course of RT may be carefully considered as a treatment option for selected children with recurrent DIPG to provide palliation of neurologic symptoms.

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• Pub. Date : 2025
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Abstract A study was conducted to understand the mechanism of adsorption kinetic that is effective in removal of 209Po by clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, from aquatic environments. Studies of the adsorption kinetics of 209Po were carried out by interacting zeolite with 209Po at different time intervals. Experimental polonium adsorption data obtained in our previous article were applied to some known kinetic models such as pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elowich, Bangham, Homogeneous particle diffusion and Shell step models. The data obtained from the models revealed that the rate-limiting step is more compatible with the pseudo-second order model, which is based on the assumption that chemical sorption. According to the results obtained, the calculated the amount of 209Po adsorbed at equilibrium (qe) and the equilibrium rate constant of pseudo-second-order sorption (k2) were found to be 0.3302 ng g−1, − 4.4 × 10–5 ng g−1 min−1, respectively.

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• Pub. Date : 2025
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Abstract Determining the effects of ionizing radiation from unintended exposure in a nuclear event requires the identification of relevant biomarkers and development methods to retrospectively estimate the absorbed dose. Melanin, a biologically important natural pigment found in hair, shows promise as a biomarker to assess potential radiation exposure. We investigated Raman spectroscopy as a rapid and non-invasive technique to assess changes in melanin from the hair of C57BL/6 mice to gamma radiation between 0-4 Gy. Two excitation wavelengths (532 nm and 785 nm) were employed to probe the melanin response for changes with radiation exposure. Excitation wavelength dependent variation in Raman features indicate resonance Raman effects, where 785 nm excitation is more sensitive to the effects of gamma radiation. Melanin-specific Raman features were identified as potential biomarkers for gamma radiation exposure and used to distinguish between irradiated and non-irradiated mice. Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) models of exposure exhibited enhanced sensitivity to irradiation at 785 nm excitation and yielded a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 83%. Mice were classified with 100% sensitivity and specificity up to day 7 at a known time point. A decline in specificity and classification accuracy correlated with alterations in melanin's spectra after more than 7 days following irradiation. Regression models of the Raman spectrum determined exposed dose with a precision of < 1 Gy at a known exposure timepoint. This non-invasive approach offers promising applications in radiation biodosimetry and medical monitoring, providing retrospective detection of gamma radiation exposure at clinically relevant doses.

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• Pub. Date : 2025
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• Book : 1076()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.170513-170513
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This study constructed a predictive model for occurrence of radiation esophagitis during breast-cancer radiotherapy. 308 breast-cancer patients were analyzed. Lasso regression identified crucial variables that were further integrated into a radiation esophagitis risk score, which was used to segregate patients into high- and low-risk groups. A nomogram model was designed for clinical applicability. Training and validations were performed to assess robustness and generalizability of proposed models, employing C-index, AUCs, calibration curves, and decision curves. SHAP algorithm was used for model interpretation, offering insights into the major contributory factors. Seven significant variables were identified by Lasso regression. C-indexes of nomograms of individual clinical variables and risk score were 0.795 and 0.784, respectively, exhibiting strong predictive ability. In internal validation, AUCs for risk score, nomogram, and logistic models were 0.784, 0.795, and 0.812, respectively. Calibration curves showed a close fit between predicted and observed outcomes across models. Decision curve analysis indicated logistic model’s superior clinical utility when the risk threshold was above 0.2. SHAP interpretation emphasized radiation dose, pruritus, molecular type, and hepatic dysfunction as top contributory factors for radiation esophagitis. Models based on interpretable machine learning offer an intuitive tool to assess risk of radiation esophagitis in breast-cancer radiotherapy.

• Book : 23(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
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Abstract The energy sector is the most influential industry for the successful functioning of the states’ economy and general daily life maintenance. One of the future targets of the Baltic states is reaching the continental European energy network integrity and securing it. Furthermore, regional independence of the energy networks apart from eastern neighboring countries is of the most significant importance as the existing electricity grid is still synchronized with the supply systems of Russia and Belarus. During a tense geopolitical situation, it is crucial to search for alternative energy production options in terms of environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources and economically viable alternatives. The Baltic states already have hydropower capacity, and Latvia is a leading country in this regard. Also, the energy production sector based on wind power use is developing significantly, and in this niche, the dominant one is Lithuania. Another alternative mentioned at the interstate level is the construction opportunity of a small modular reactor for nuclear fission, where Estonia has taken the first assessment step. In any case, but most significantly for the latter option, the regional geological and environmental situation determines where such strategic energy objects can be safely situated. The dynamic progression of climate change in boreal regions, including the Baltic states, may endanger the structural integrity of energy production infrastructure objects; therefore, geotechnical investigation serves as a key stage in the objects’ construction planning.

• Book : 1474(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.012020-012020
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일본 사회에서 북한에 대한 인식은 핵･미사일 개발, 일본인 납치 문제 등 외교･안보 이슈에 크게 영향을 받으며, 대체로 부정적이다. 이러한 인식은 재일조선인총연합회(조총련)와 재일조선인에 대한 사회적 불신과 차별로 이어져, 제도적･사회적 차별을 심화시키는 결과를 초래했다. 영화 󰡔가족의 나라󰡕(かぞくのくに, Our Homeland, 2012)는 일본 사회의 북한 인식을 배경으로 조선적 재일조선인의 현실을 묘사했다. 영화는 북한귀국사업이 종결된 역사가 아닌, 오늘날까지도 조선적 재일조선인의 현실을 좌우하는 주요한 사건으로 조명하며, 북한과 재일조선인 귀국자, 그리고 그 가족의 관계를 탐색했다. 그 과정에서 귀국자 성호의 경험은 리에의 시선을 통해 규정되면서 그의 주체적 목소리가 충분히 반영되지 않은 한계를 보였다. 성호는 억압적인 북한 체제의 피해자라는 일반화 속에서 그의 현실을 초래한 가해 측에 대한 비난과 비판, 대립과 갈등을 강화하는 기제로 작용했다. 그러나 영화는 리에의 시선을 변화시키는 서사적 장치를 마련하고 카메라의 시선을 통해 성호와 리에, 양 동무와 조총련 관계자들, 리에의 부모를 각각 조명해서 개인들의 복합적인 처지와 내적 갈등을 조명하려 노력했다. 결과적으로 영화 󰡔가족의 나라󰡕는 북한 주민, 북한 귀국자, 조선적 재일조선인의 가해와 피해에 기반한 갈등과 대립을 심화하기보다는 인물들 각각의 경험을 조명함으로써 입체적인 논의를 위한 장을 마련했다.

• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.91-113
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