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Disrupted light exposure is associated with cardiac remodeling involving clock gene alterations and oxidative–inflammatory responses in rats
Abstract Here we systematically compared the cardiovascular effects of continuous light (LL) and reversed 48-hour light-dark cycle (LD-DL) exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats over 20 weeks. Both disrupted light conditions were associated with significant cardiovascular dysfunction, including elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate, along with myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac enlargement, collagen fibrosis, and apoptosis. Notably, the LD-DL group exhibited more pronounced oxidative stress (elevated ROS, downregulated Nrf2) and inflammatory responses (enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration, upregulated IL-6 and IL-1β), whereas the LL group showed more pronounced cardiac structural remodeling despite moderate inflammation. Both paradigms were accompanied by suppressed melatonin levels and altered clock gene expression. These findings suggest that distinct light disruption patterns may be associated with cardiovascular injury through different mechanisms—LL predominantly characterized by hemodynamic parameters and structural remodeling, LD-DL preferentially linked to oxidative-inflammatory responses—highlighting the need for paradigm-specific therapeutic strategies.
Deciphering resistance mechanisms to auxin-inducible protein degradation in mammalian cells
Precise Synthesis of ∼1 nm Iridium Nanoclusters as a Catalyst for Efficient Oxygen Evolution
A complex Fermatean fuzzy FUCA based decision framework with priority degrees for evaluating sports exercise training programs
Public Cohort Analysis Identifies Thyroglobulin Variants as Hypothyroidism Risk Factors
Polymerization-Induced Functional Switching of Engineered Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthase Directs Block Copolymerization
Spatial disparities and determinants of perinatal mortality in Lesotho using multiscale geographically weighted regression
Abstract Perinatal mortality is a major public health challenge in many developing countries and has profound social, economic, and health implications for families and broader society. Despite its serious and devastating effects, there are a few studies that describe the spatial distribution and factors associated with perinatal mortality in Lesotho. Understanding the burden and geographic variation is crucial for implementing targeted interventions, allocating resources efficiently, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, this study explores the spatial variations and predictors of perinatal mortality in Lesotho. This study employed a community-based cross-sectional design using data from the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), comprising 2,096 weighted samples. Spatial analysis included Global Moran’s I to detect clustering, Getis-Ord Gi* to identify hotspots, and Kriging interpolation to estimate prevalence in areas without data, all conducted in ArcGIS. To identify potential factors, both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) models were applied, with model fit evaluated using AICc and adjusted R-squared. Significant factors (p < 0.05) were mapped to show their spatial distribution. The overall prevalence of perinatal mortality in Lesotho was 46.1 per 1000 (95% CI: 35, 53), and its spatial distribution was found to be clustered. Hotspot areas were located in the western parts of Leribe, Berea, and Maseru, as well as in the northern parts of Butha-Buthe District. Cold spot areas were found in parts of Quthing, Qacha-Nek, and Mokhotlong Districts. The multi-scale geographically weighted regression model explained 54.73% of the spatial variation in perinatal mortality in Lesotho. Factors that are spatially associated with perinatal mortality include advanced maternal age (35–49), cigarette smoking, history of terminated pregnancy, childbearing before age 18, and male household sex. Perinatal mortality in Lesotho is high and varies across districts. Advanced maternal age (35–49), cigarette smoking, a history of terminated pregnancy, childbirth before age 18, and male household sex are significant spatial factors associated with perinatal mortality. Due to the spatial clustering of perinatal deaths, targeted, geographically focused interventions are crucial, especially in hotspot areas like Leribe, Berea, Maseru, and the northern parts of Butha-Buthe District, to lower perinatal mortality and promote equitable health outcomes. Governments and development partners should prioritize genetic counseling, improved access to tertiary care for delivery, and raising awareness of related risks, especially for older mothers in districts such as Maseru, Mafeteng, Berea, Mohale-Hoek, and Leribe, using location-specific strategies. Policymakers should focus on reducing smoking and early childbearing, particularly in Mokhotong and Butha-Buthe districts, and other hotspots.
Substrate and target selectivity of 4′-fluoroadenosine against viral and host polymerases
Mechanistic Insights into the Photoconversion of Tire Rubber Antioxidant 6PPD at the Liquid-like Layer of Ice Crystals
Quantitative analysis of the transmission dynamics of an adenovirus outbreak in a physical training school based on a dynamic social network
Distinct functional roles of the GRIP domains in α-, β-, γ- and δ-ENaC
Direct Observation of Noncollinear Ferrielectricity in a Two-Dimensional Hybrid Germanium Perovskite
Integrated vermicompost and blended NPSB fertilizer enhances soil physicochemical properties and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity in the acidic highlands of Western Ethiopia
Abstract Soil fertility depletion and acidity are major constraints to barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. Integrated soil fertility management offers a sustainable solution, but site-specific recommendations are lacking for the Horro District. This study evaluated the integrated effects of vermicompost (VC) and blended NPSB fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and barley yield. A factorial experiment was conducted during the 2023/2024 main cropping season using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Treatments comprised four VC rates (0, 1.25, 2.5, and 3.75 t ha −1 ) and four NPSB rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha −1 ). Soil samples were analyzed before planting and after harvest for pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Av. P), sulfur (Av. S), boron (Av. B), cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density (BD), and texture. Barley yield and yield components were recorded, and partial budget analysis was performed. The initial soil was strongly acidic (pH 5.24) with low OC (1.23%) and very low Av. P (6.39 ppm). Integrated VC and NPSB application significantly ( p < 0.05) improved all soil properties compared to the control. The combination of 3.75 t ha −1 VC with 100 kg ha −1 NPSB produced the highest OC (1.53%), TN (0.25%), Av. P (10.30 ppm), CEC (33.31 cm ( +) kg −1 ), and grain yield (5.78 t ha −1 ), while reducing BD to 1.25 g cm −3 . This treatment also yielded the highest net benefit (218,335.5 ETB ha −1 ) with a marginal rate of return of 681.75%. We conclude that integrated application of 3.75 t ha −1 VC and 100 kg ha −1 NPSB is a sustainable, economically viable strategy to restore soil fertility and enhance barley productivity in the acidic Nitisols of Western Ethiopia. Long-term studies are recommended to evaluate residual effects across multiple cropping seasons.