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Multimodal evaluation of choroidal vascular alterations after panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy

2026-05-08T03:00:03Z

Title: Multimodal evaluation of choroidal vascular alterations after panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy Author(s): Jeong, Areum; Han, Ye Eun; Choi, Leegoni; Jung, Dahye; Kim, Yulim; Min, Sagong; Lee, Junyeop Abstract: PurposeTo evaluate morphological and quantitative changes in the choroid after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for diabetic retinopathy using multimodal imaging and to identify factors associated with these changes. MethodsThis retrospective study included 48 eyes of 26 patients with severe non-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography (UWF-ICGA) and enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) were performed before and after PRP. Choroidal vessel density, fractal dimension (FD), and hyperpermeable area were quantified from fluorescein angiography-subtracted ICGA images using ImageJ and Fractalyse software. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and Haller's layer thickness were measured on EDI-OCT. CVI was calculated as the ratio of the luminal area to the total subfoveal choroidal area within a 1,500-& micro;m region. Relationships among choroidal and retinal parameters were analyzed by multivariable regression. ResultsAfter PRP, the mean hyperpermeable area significantly decreased (8.78%-> 7.95%, p < 0.001), accompanied by reductions in choroidal vessel density (34.67%-> 33.34%, p < 0.001), FD (1.662 -> 1.632, p = 0.003), SFCT (266.63 -> 242.75 mu m, p < 0.001), and CVI (64.34%-> 62.13%, p < 0.001). Haller's layer thickness was independently associated with the hyperpermeable area, while CVI correlated with central retinal thickness and Haller's layer thickness. ConclusionPRP reduces choroidal vascular congestion and complexity, suggesting structural remodeling of the choroidal vasculature associated with reduced vascular permeability. Quantitative ICGA- and OCT-derived indices may serve as noninvasive biomarkers for evaluating choroidal remodeling and treatment response after PRP in diabetic retinopathy.

The DNA helicase HELQ promotes replication fork reversal in coordination with BRCA2-and FANCD2-mediated repair pathways

2026-05-08T02:00:03Z

Title: The DNA helicase HELQ promotes replication fork reversal in coordination with BRCA2-and FANCD2-mediated repair pathways Author(s): Dunbayev, Yerkin; Chen, Yen-Ju; Sassi, Lorenzo; Lee, Eun A.; Ra, Jae Sun; Choi, Moonjung; Mukherjee, Anirban; Vasquez, Karen M.; Costanzo, Vincenzo; Chi, Peter; Takata, Kei-ichi Abstract: HELQ is a 3 '-5 ' DNA helicase whose loss sensitizes cells to DNA-damaging agents, particularly DNA crosslinkers. HELQ interacts with the RAD51 paralog complex RAD51B-RAD51C-RAD51D-XRCC2 (BCDX2), a key mediator of replication fork reversal. Using DNA fiber assays, we show that HELQ and BCDX2 act epistatically to slow replication fork progression under replication stress. Because fork reversal transiently regresses nascent strands into a four-way junction and reduces net DNA synthesis, this fork slowing provides a functional readout of fork reversal. Directly supporting this model, electron microscopy reveals that reversed fork structures are reduced in HELQ-knockout cells. Consistent with a role in fork reversal, HELQ deletion suppresses nascent strand degradation when BRCA2- or FANCD2-dependent fork protection is lost. Mechanistically, biochemical reconstitution shows that HELQ is stimulated by RPA on fork substrates containing a leading strand gap, and these findings are consistent with the cell-based DNA fiber assays. Together, these results identify HELQ as a specialized regulator of replication fork remodeling that promotes fork reversal through the BCDX2 pathway.

Synthetic data-driven prediction and interpretation of biomethane production in direct interspecies electron transfer-stimulated anaerobic digestion process

2026-05-08T02:00:02Z

Title: Synthetic data-driven prediction and interpretation of biomethane production in direct interspecies electron transfer-stimulated anaerobic digestion process Author(s): Sim, Min-Gu; Kwon, Do Hyuck; Park, Chaeyeon; Lee, Sumin; Cho, Kyung Hwa; Baek, Gahyun Abstract: Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) simulation has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance methane production in anaerobic digestion (AD). However, reliable prediction and interpretation of DIET-AD performance remain challenging due to nonlinearity and limited experimental datasets. In this study, we propose an integrated, synthetic data-assisted machine learning (ML) framework to predict methane enhancement in magnetitemediated DIET-AD systems, combining data augmentation, robust modeling, and experimental validation. The synthetic dataset was generated by generative adversarial network (GAN), which was rigorously validated from statistical, principal component, clustering analysis, and Kolmogorov-Smirov test to ensure consistency with original experimental data. Multiple ML models, including ensemble-based, neural network-based, and attentionbased algorithms, were systematically evaluated. Among them, an attention-based algorithm showed superior performance and robustness, achieving an average coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.92, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 6.30, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.04 on test data. Explainable artificial intelligence analysis using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) indicated that substrate concentration and magnetite dosage were dominant drivers of methane enhancement. Experimental biomethane potential (BMP) tests further confirmed model reliability, with observed enhancements of 5.1% and 15.8% falling within the predicted 95% confidence intervals of 3.5-6.6% and 15.6-21.3%, respectively. Therefore, this framework contributes to practical insight into a transferable strategy for robust prediction, interpretation, and experimental guidance of nonlinear bioprocesses under data-scarce conditions.

Temporal Trends in Blood Dioxin and Heavy Metal Concentrations Among Seoul Residents in Proximity to Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

2026-05-08T01:30:02Z

Title: Temporal Trends in Blood Dioxin and Heavy Metal Concentrations Among Seoul Residents in Proximity to Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators Author(s): Yang, Jiyeon; Hwang, Jihye; Hashemi, Shervin; Shin, Dongchun; Chang, Yoon-Seok; Joo, Jongho; Lim, Youngwook Abstract: This study investigated the long-term exposure of residents in proximity to Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators (MSWIs) in Seoul, South Korea, to dioxins and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and mercury), emphasizing environmental and public health implications. The researchers analyzed the temporal trends in blood concentrations of these contaminants, considering demographic factors such as age and gender, using data collected over six survey rounds from 2002 to 2021. The results revealed a significant decline in blood lead levels, particularly among females, with greater reductions in individuals with initially elevated blood lead levels. Cadmium concentrations remained relatively stable, whereas mercury levels exhibited minor fluctuations, with females demonstrating higher levels than males. Dioxins were slightly reduced, although their persistence in the environment and human bloodstream remains a concern. Age-specific analysis showed that younger women experienced the greatest decline in lead and dioxin levels. These findings highlight the efficacy of public health interventions in reducing environmental exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations, and underscore the need for continued monitoring and mitigation efforts to address the long-term environmental and health risks associated with exposure to these substances.