Background Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac aging may uncover novel therapeutic targets for age-related cardiovascular disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), which regulate cell differentiation and disease progression, are emerging as promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic candidates. However, their expression profiles and functional roles in the aging heart remain poorly characterized. Methods Male C57BL/6 wild type mice aged 20 months (aged group) and 3 months (young group) underwent transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate cardiac function. Myocardial aging phenotypes were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and senescence-associated β -galactosidase staining. Transcriptomic profiling was performed using a lncRNA-focused microarray platform to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in heart tissues. Results Aged mice showed increased heart weight/body weight and heart weight/tibia length ratios. Both interventricular septum in systole and left ventricular posterior wall in diastole were elevated, while ejection fraction and fractional shortening remained unchanged. The Tei index was significantly higher, suggesting impaired myocardial performance. Histological staining revealed enlarged cardiomyocytes, increased myocardial fibrosis, enhanced apoptosis, and greater senescence-associated β -galactosidase activity. Microarray analysis identified distinct age-related expression patterns of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the heart. Conclusions Cardiac aging is characterized by structural and functional remodeling, accompanied by transcriptional reprogramming involving both lncRNAs and mRNAs. These changes offer insights into potential molecular mechanisms and provide candidate regulatory targets for diagnosis and intervention in age-related heart disease.

Background Bioceramic sealers are increasingly used due to their favorable properties, but their strong bonding to dentin complicates retreatment procedure. In addition, canal irregularities such as isthmuses make the complete removal of filling materials more challenging. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the retreatability of five bioceramic sealers (BioRoot RCS, Bio-C Sealer, CeraSeal, Endoseal MTA, and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer) using passive ultrasonic irrigation. Materials and Methods Sixty human mandibular premolars with straight canals were prepared to size 40/0.04 taper. After longitudinal splitting, standardized grooves were created. The root canals were subsequently obturated using the single cone technique and stored at 37 °C with 100% humidity for 21 days. Passive ultrasonic irrigation was used to assess sealer removal. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results The amount of residual sealer in the apical region was statistically higher compared with the coronal region. In the coronal region, the highest amount of residual material was observed in the Bio-C Sealer group, and this difference was statistically significant compared to the other groups. There was no significant difference among the other groups. In the apical region, there were no statistically significant difference between Bio-C Sealer and Endoseal MTA; however Bio-C Sealer showed a statistically significantly higher amount of residual material compared to BioRoot RCS, Ceraseal, and Ah Plus Bioceramic Sealer. Conclusion Among the evaluated bioceramic sealers, Bio-C Sealer exhibited the highest amount of residual material, particularly in the apical region, indicating its lower retreatability. Passive ultrasonic irrigation improved the removal of BioRoot RCS, CeraSeal, and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer, but was less effective for Bio-C Sealer and EndoSeal MTA. These findings highlight the variability in retreatability among different bioceramic sealers and emphasize the importance of material selection in cases with potential need for retreatment.

The transport of heavy metals (HMs) (excluding Hg) between soil and the atmosphere significantly influences human production and life. This review systematically summarizes the processes involved in the wind erosion-driven transport of HMs from soil to the atmosphere and the partitioning of atmospheric HMs via atmospheric deposition, drawing on relevant literature analysis and synthesis. The results reveal that both soil and the atmosphere are sinks of HMs, influencing each other significantly. The transport of soil HMs to the atmosphere along with soil fugitive dust by wind force incorporates three pathways: the direct suspension of suspension-size aggregates, the collision and abrasion of creep-size and saltation-size aggregates, and the breakage or decomposition of creep-size aggregates. Conventional farming practices, elevated HM concentrations, and high wind speeds exacerbate soil HM emissions. However, the effects of soil organic matter (SOM) and clay on soil HM emission demonstrate dual characteristics. Atmospheric deposition has emerged as a significant source of soil HMs, with wet deposition predominating, except in arid and semiarid regions. Dry deposition is influenced by meteorological parameters and topographic profiles, whereas preceding weather and precipitation duration are other factors affecting for wet deposition. This process increases the exposure possibility and consequent exposure dosage of HMs to humans and crops, thereby amplifying the potential risks of HMs. Moreover, the capacity of atmospheric HMs for long-range wind-driven dispersal may leave remote and sensitive ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable. Moreover, it concludes with a synthesis of the current challenges and discusses recommendations for future directions. Therefore, this review will have significant reference and guiding value for research in this field and is intended for researchers engaged in the migration of HMs in soil and atmosphere, the safe utilization of heavy metal contaminated soil, and regional background values of soil HMs.

Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br. (Poales: Poaceae), the main cereal crop in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso, is attacked by several insect pests, among which is the millet head miner, Heliocheilus albipunctella De Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Damage and yield losses caused by H. albipunctella on millet range from 30.00% to 85.00%. Control and management of H. albipunctella currently rely on synthetic insecticides, which are harmful to human and environmental health. Hence, there is a need to explore and develop alternative management strategies. Consequently, the current research, which was conducted, explored the use of millet-cowpea intercropping, a very common practice in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso, together with the application of biopesticides of Neem ( Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Sapindales: Meliaceae) seed kernels aqueous extracts. Fieldwork was carried out in Burkina Faso’s Djibasso and Dori communes during the 2021 rainy period. The obtained results found that the application of Neem extracts on cowpea plants at the flowering stage, synchronized with the heading stage of millet, significantly reduced the incidence of H. albipunctella . When millet was intercropped with cowpea, the application of aqueous extracts of Neem indirectly led to a significant reduction of about 50.00% in the number of larvae per spike. Additionally, a reduction in the percentage of millet spikes attacked, a decrease in mine length, and a gain in grain yield of more than 40.00% were observed. Thus, the findings from the application of this agricultural practice could be a promising control option against H. albipunctella.

The small-ubiquitin-like-modifier (SUMO), composed of approximately 100 amino acid residues, regulates the cellular activity of several proteins by posttranslational modification. Almost all plant species express a family of SUMO isoforms. Nevertheless, the SUMO genes in wheat (TaSUMOs) have not undergone complete characterization, and the roles of TaSUMOs remain unidentified. The study identified four new SUMO genes in wheat, named TaSUMO4-7, in addition to the previously known TaSUMO1-3. These genes are part of the conserved SUMO family, as indicated by phylogenetic analysis. The genes contain the characteristic SUMO-acceptor site motif and the essential C-terminal diglycine motif for processing. Expression analysis showed that TaSUMO4-7 genes are expressed in various wheat tissues. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the biochemical properties and structures of the proteins, which were found to localize in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The study confirms that the new TaSUMO4-7 genes are functional members of the wheat SUMO family and lays the groundwork for further research into their specific roles.

ObjectiveThis study conducted a thorough review and meta-analysis to examine how respiratory muscle training (RMT) affects lung function recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) examining the effects of RMT on lung function in patients with SCI. The search included databases such as PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science up to October 2025. The experimental group received RMT as the main intervention, while the control group received either no treatment, a placebo, or conventional rehabilitation. Outcome measures included Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Minute Ventilation Volume (MVV), Total Lung Capacity (TLC), Inspiratory Capacity (IC), and Vital Capacity (VC). Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed bias. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software, and the quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and the Physical Therapy Evidence Database scale. The reporting of this study followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024627736).ResultsIn this meta-analysis, 25 RCTs were included, comprising a total of 679 patients. The meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional rehabilitation, respiratory muscle training significantly improved FEV1 (p < 0.0001), FVC (p = 0.0001), MIP (p < 0.00001), MEP (p = 0.0004), PEF (p < 0.00001), MVV (p < 0.0001), TLC (p = 0.05), VC (p = 0.04), and their differences were statistically significant. However, IC (p = 0.40) was not statistically significant. Subgroup analyses showed that resistive training and surface electromyography biofeedback training were effective for improving FEV1 and FVC, while threshold training significantly improved MVV.ConclusionThis meta-analysis provides strong evidence that RMT is an effective intervention for enhancing respiratory muscle strength and key parameters of pulmonary function in individuals with SCI. Further research with robust methodologies and extensive sample sizes is needed to validate this finding.

In this study, changes in mineral element concentrations, physiological parameters, and gene expression of heat shock proteins were investigated in maize plants subjected to mycorrhiza under low and high temperature stress. The application of seven different temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C) under five different mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) culture treatments (M0, M1, M2, M3, and M4) constituted the factors of the experiment. With the application of mycorrhiza, the plant dry weight was found to be the highest at 25 °C, and the M3 group was applied. The highest values in mineral element concentrations were detected at 25 °C in the maize plant, where M4 had N, P, K, Ca, and Fe concentrations; M3 had Cu and Mn concentrations; and M2 had Mg and Zn concentrations. Lipid peroxidation gradually increased with temperature changes in all the applications, and the protective effect of proline was more pronounced at high temperatures than at low temperatures. Antioxidant enzyme activities were altered by applications of mycorrhiza and temperature. For all mycorrhiza applications, the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 reached a maximum at 10 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C. It has been revealed that low- and high-temperature applications in maize plants cause serious changes in the mycorrhizal symbiosis on the basis of investigated parameters, and these changes occur at different levels depending on the temperature changes and the differences between mixed AMF cultures. However, it can be said that the M3 application has the capacity to facilitate the growth of maize even in conditions of low (−10 °C) and high (45 °C) temperature.

BackgroundPerceived exertion is an inevitable outcome of power-oriented resistance training. However, it remains unknown whether perceived exertion is dominated by central or peripheral responses during this type of training. This study examined the effect of neuromuscular responses on the determination of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during power bench press (BPress) exercise.MethodsSixteen trained males performed three BPress tasks with varying volumes (low, medium, high) at 65% of their one-repetition maximum. RPE, surface electromyography, and velocity loss were assessed across all conditions. Peak root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MDF) were calculated from the surface electromyography data.ResultsSignificant effects were observed across experimental conditions for overall RPE, average velocity loss, and average MDF (all p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found in average RMS. As the lifting tasks progressed, significant effects of repetition were observed in all measured variables (all p < 0.001). When comparing conditions, significant differences were found among the three in RPE, velocity loss, and MDF (all p < 0.001), whereas no significant effect of condition was observed in RMS. No significant relationship was found between MDF and velocity loss.ConclusionsIn power BPress, higher repetitions affected RPE, velocity loss, and MDF, while peak RMS was less responsive. These findings indicate that both athletic performance and RPE are primarily influenced by peripheral fatigue. However, velocity loss should be interpreted with caution as a fatigue marker in this context.

BackgroundParasites are prevalent in animals and have coexisted with their hosts over long evolutionary periods. However, the link between individual behavioral variations and parasitic infections remains unclear. Plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a keystone species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau that is commonly infected with Eimeria spp., an intestinal parasite.MethodsIn this study, 30 adult pikas were assigned to three groups: infected with Eimeria spp. (PA+), administered normal saline (Ctrl), and treated with an anticoccidial drug (PA−). We examined changes in boldness, exploration, and docility, as well as variations in triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and fecal cortisol (CORT) levels.ResultsThe PA+ group exhibited significantly higher parasite load. Pikas showed increased boldness, exploration, and docility on day 5, when Eimeria spp. numbers were high. The T3 and T4 levels declined as parasite loads increased, whereas the CORT and RMR levels fluctuated at different experimental stages. These results suggest that parasite infection influences host behavior and physiology, providing insights into parasite-host interactions.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that Eimeria spp. load modulates the behavior and physiology of plateau pikas. The specific behavioral shifts coinciding with peak infection, coupled with the suppression of thyroid hormones and metabolic responses, reveal a complex and integrated host adaptation strategy. As a keystone species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the behavior-physiology coupling mechanism in plateau pikas not only provides new evidence for host-parasite coevolution, but also offers critical insights into understanding the stability of regional ecosystems.

Ampharete acutifrons (Grube, 1860), originally described from Greenland, has long been considered a widely distributed arctic-boreal species. However, recent morphological re-assessment of the holotype indicates that most previous records of A. acutifrons were misidentifications, and molecular sequence data also suggest that A. acutifrons is a multispecies complex. This study focuses on specimens of the A. acutifrons species complex from Washington, USA, with publicly available cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Specimens from Washington belonging to the Invertebrate Zoology Collection of the Florida Museum of Natural History were examined. Additional specimens were examined for morphological comparison, including type material of A. cirrata Webster & Benedict, 1887, and A. labrops Hartman, 1961. Detailed morphological descriptions of specimens and photographs of the diagnostic characters were made. The molecular analysis includes 37 published COI sequences of Ampharete and Anobothrus species sourced from public databases. Redescriptions of type material of A. cirrata and A. labrops are provided. Ampharete paulayin. sp. is described as a new species from Washington, USA, based on morphological and COI sequences data. Photographs of living specimens are presented, a hypothesis on the development of buccal tentacles in Ampharete species is proposed, and the use of Methyl green stain is recommended as a standard practice in future descriptions of ampharetids.